Sudan ‌Conflict: Renewed Fighting in Al-Fasher, Darfur Region

Violent fighting has resumed in ‌Al-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State in Sudan, as‌ the Rapid Assistance Forces launched‍ a fresh attack on Saturday. The assault has been condemned by Washington,‌ according to eyewitnesses who spoke to Agence France-Presse.

The governor of ​the Darfur region, Menni Minawi, announced on Thursday that ⁣the army had “defeated the militia⁢ in their tenth attack,” referring to‍ the Rapid Aid​ Forces. ​However, the Rapid⁤ Aid Forces claimed to have⁤ made progress⁣ and taken control of military positions in the city.

Aerial Bombardment and ⁢Artillery Fire

On Saturday, witnesses reported multiple airstrikes by the ‍army in areas east and​ south of El Fasher, with sounds of‌ anti-aircraft guns also heard. The Humanitarian Research Laboratory at Yale University in the United States reported “large-scale and unprecedented ‌fighting”​ between⁢ the army and the​ Rapid‍ Support Forces, based on satellite images.

The laboratory warned ⁢that the intensity of the current fighting is likely to leave the ⁣city‍ in ruins, regardless ​of the outcome of the battle.

Civilian Displacement and Casualties

Ibrahim Ishaq, ‌a 52-year-old who fled El ‍Fasher on ‍Friday, described the city⁢ as “completely empty” with only the sounds of explosions and shells audible. He added ​that the main market area in the city center had ⁤become ‍an unbearable place due to the intensity of the explosions.

The death toll from the recent fighting is currently unknown. However, the conflict in Sudan has already resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, with estimates suggesting the true‍ toll​ could be⁢ as high⁢ as⁤ 150,000.

Regional Impact ‍and International Response

The conflict in Sudan has displaced over ten million people,​ with many seeking refuge in neighboring countries. UN experts have called for the immediate deployment of an “independent and impartial ⁣force” to protect civilians.

The US special ⁣envoy to Sudan, Tom Perriello, expressed “great concern” ‍about the new attacks by the ⁤Rapid Support Forces and urged them to stop their assault.

Background to the Conflict

The conflict in⁢ Sudan began in April 2023, pitting the army, led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, against the Rapid Support Forces, led by his former⁤ deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.