Sudan: Nearly 40 dead in shelling near Khartoum
Deadly violence erupted in Sudan’s capital region on Thursday, resulting in the deaths of approximately 40 people, Arab News reported citing pro-democracy activists.
The incident occurred in Omdurman, the twin city of Khartoum, where paramilitary forces reportedly launched a barrage of artillery fire against civilians. The pro-democracy group that reported the deaths described the attack as “violent artillery fire” carried out by the paramilitary troops.
The shelling comes a day after the RSF was accused of killing more than 104 people, including 35 children, Wednesday in an attack on the village of Wad Al-Noura in Al-Jazira state, south of Khartoum.
In just over a year, the war has claimed thousands of lives, with some estimates putting the death toll as high as 150,000, according to the United States’ envoy to Sudan, Tom Perriello.
“This latest episode of violence is a tragic reminder of the ongoing struggle for democratic reforms in Sudan,” said regional analyst Fatima Abdelrahman. “The loss of life is deeply concerning, and it underscores the urgent need for all parties to engage in meaningful dialogue and find a peaceful resolution to the crisis.”
The international community has repeatedly called for restraint and a return to the democratic process in Sudan. However, the political deadlock has persisted, leaving the country’s future uncertain and its people caught in the crossfire of the ongoing turmoil.
The RSF is accused of looting as well as sexual and ethnic violence and has attacked entire villages across Sudan on multiple occasions.
Starvation is also a growing threat in Sudan, with about 18 million people suffering from hunger and 3.8 million children acutely malnourished, according to UN agencies.
