Tragic Airstrike in Khartoum Marketplace Escalates Sudanese Civil War’s Humanitarian Crisis
An airstrike by the Sudanese military on a marketplace in Khartoum on Saturday resulted in at least 23 fatalities and over 40 injuries. This incident occurs amid escalating fighting between the military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), contributing to a humanitarian crisis characterized by significant casualties and displacements throughout Sudan.
On Saturday, an airstrike conducted by the Sudanese military on a marketplace in southern Khartoum resulted in the deaths of at least 23 individuals. This tragic incident, reported by a network of volunteer rescuers, also left over 40 people injured, necessitating medical treatment. According to the Emergency Response Rooms, a youth-led organization, the airstrike occurred on a busy market that is situated near a primary camp where the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are engaged in violent confrontations with the military amidst a worsening civil war. Fighting has intensified around Khartoum since Friday, predominantly under the control of the RSF. The military has launched airstrikes targeting central and southern regions of the city while reportedly advancing from neighboring Omdurman, where hostilities erupted on Saturday. This ongoing conflict can be traced back to a power struggle between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his former deputy, RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, which occurred in the lead-up to a sought transition to civilian governance and free elections. The war has already led to catastrophic humanitarian crises, including the largest displacement crisis worldwide, with over 10 million individuals—approximately a fifth of the population of Sudan—displaced from their homes, according to United Nations estimates. Since the onset of conflict in April 2023, various organizations including the World Health Organization have reported staggering casualties, estimating that at least 20,000 people have been killed, while some sources suggest the death toll may soar to as high as 150,000. The humanitarian impact continues to escalate, with famine now declared in regions such as the Zamzam refugee camp in Darfur, showcasing the dire state of affairs as the conflict endures.
The ongoing civil war in Sudan, sparked by a rift between military factions—specifically between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his former deputy, RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo—has resulted in severe humanitarian crises across the nation. The war began in April 2023 and has been characterized by intense clashes, particularly in Khartoum, where the RSF has gained considerable territorial control at the expense of the national military. The conflict has given rise to the largest displacement crisis in the world, as millions flee their homes. The situation is exacerbated by allegations of war crimes and an escalating famine, particularly in regions such as Darfur, with both international organizations and local agencies sounding alarms regarding the humanitarian needs of the population.
The recent airstrike in Khartoum highlights the extreme humanitarian costs of the ongoing civil war in Sudan. With thousands already dead and millions displaced, the conflict exemplifies a dire need for international attention and assistance. As the hostilities continue, it is imperative that humanitarian aid reaches affected populations to mitigate the suffering caused by this senseless violence.
Original Source: www.firstpost.com
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