8 killed in Rapid Support Forces shelling of displacement camp in western Sudan

KHARTOUM, Sudan

At least eight people were killed and dozens injured in artillery shelling by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) targeting the Abu Shouk displacement camp in western Sudan, a relief committee reported Friday.

The Abu Shouk Emergency Committee, composed of activists and relief volunteers, issued a statement saying that the RSF militants intensively shelled the camp in El Fasher with heavy artillery on Friday.

It also said the RSF fired over 177 artillery shells on the camp, resulting in the death of eight people and dozens of injuries, as well as the destruction of several homes and facilities.

Earlier on Friday, Darfur Governor Arcua Minnawi said the Sudanese army and affiliated forces are confronting a major attack by the RSF on El Fasher.

The RSF had not commented on the statement.

El Fasher, a key hub for humanitarian operations across Darfur's five states, has been a flashpoint since May 10, despite international warnings against further escalation.

The conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF, which began in mid-April 2023, has claimed more than 20,000 lives and displaced 14 million people, according to the UN and local authorities.

A study by US-based universities estimates the death toll at around 130,000.

International organizations have warned about a worsening humanitarian catastrophe, with millions facing famine and death due to food shortages amid fighting that has spread to 13 of Sudan’s 18 states.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar