sudan Conflict: Villages Targeted in Deadly Attacks, Thousands Displaced
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The ongoing conflict in Sudan has seen a surge in violence, with reports of attacks on civilian villages resulting in numerous deaths and widespread displacement. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are accused of carrying out these assaults, which human rights groups condemn as violations of international humanitarian law.
Villages Devastated by RSF Attacks
The Sudanese conflict, which began in April 2023, continues to exact a devastating toll on civilians. In a recent escalation, the RSF has been implicated in attacks on villages, leading to significant loss of life and forcing thousands to flee their homes.
Hilat Hamid and surrounding areas bear the brunt
According to reports, the RSF attacked the village of Hilat Hamid, resulting in the deaths of 46 peopel. Among the victims were pregnant women and children, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the violence. The UN has confirmed that over 3,400 people were displaced as a direct consequence of these attacks.
Emergency Lawyers, a prominent human rights institution, has strongly condemned these actions, stating that the targeted villages were devoid of any military objectives. This, they argue, clearly demonstrates the “criminal nature of these crimes carried out in complete disregard of international humanitarian law.” The organization has placed direct obligation on the RSF leadership for these atrocities.
Shifting Control and Humanitarian Crisis
The conflict has seen a strategic shift in territorial control, with the Sudanese army maintaining a firm grip on the central and eastern regions of the country.Conversely, the RSF is focused on consolidating its influence in the western territories, including North Kordofan.
The RSF has faced severe accusations from the United States and various human rights organizations, including allegations of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. Reports of violent looting raids by RSF soldiers in areas under their control have further fueled these concerns. The RSF leadership has, however, pledged to bring those found responsible for such acts to justice.
The civil war in Sudan has plunged the nation into the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. More than half of the population is experiencing food insecurity, and diseases like cholera are spreading rapidly. compounding the crisis, a global reduction in aid spending has substantially strained the humanitarian response efforts, leaving millions vulnerable and in desperate need of assistance.
Related: WHO says attack on Sudanese hospital killed more than 40 civilians
