Sudan’s military and RSF paramilitary forces initiate widespread attacks amid ongoing conflict in the country.

In Sudan, escalating violence continues to plague the nation as armed clashes involving the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) persist into the third year of a tumultuous civil war. Recent developments have highlighted the severe humanitarian implications of these conflicts, particularly in regions like el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, where an uptick in violence has resulted in tragic civilian casualties.

On a recent Sunday, the Sudanese army reported that at least nine civilians, including four children, were tragically killed in RSF attacks. The SAF engaged in a counteroperation during which they claimed to have eliminated six RSF members and destroyed three of their combat vehicles; however, the RSF has yet to issue a statement regarding these allegations.

El-Fasher remains a critical city as it is currently the last significant bastion held by the SAF in the Darfur region. For over a year, RSF forces have relentlessly pursued control of this city, which lies approximately 800 kilometers southwest of the capital, Khartoum. The RSF has conducted numerous assaults on the city and the associated famine-hit camps that house displaced individuals.

Simultaneously, Sudan’s civil defense forces announced the successful containment of fires that erupted from drone strikes at the main fuel depot in Port Sudan, an area that has been pivotal for ongoing military operations and supplies. This strategic city, which has been relatively insulated from the broader conflict until recently, has become a site of concern due to repeated drone attacks attributed to the RSF.

The fires resulting from these strikes raised significant alarms, as they threatened to escalate into a “potential disaster.” Notably, Port Sudan serves as the main entry point for humanitarian aid, underscoring the importance of maintaining stability in the area. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that such attacks exacerbate the humanitarian crisis, potentially complicating aid delivery efforts in a nation suffering from profound needs due to ongoing conflict.

In further escalations, the Sudanese army launched aerial strikes against RSF positions in el-Khuwei, located in West Kordofan, and the state of West Darfur late on Saturday, while reports indicated that drone strikes targeted the northern city of Atbara.

Since the onset of the conflict in April 2023, the humanitarian repercussions have been dire, with the conflict resulting in the loss of over 20,000 lives and displacing approximately 15 million individuals, leading the UN to characterize the situation as one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. The ongoing hostilities not only affect immediate safety but generate longer-term ramifications for peace and stability in the region.

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