54 Dead, 158 Injured in Latest Atrocity of Civil War

Deadly Attack in Sudan's Omdurman Market Leaves 54 Dead, 158 Injured

A brutal attack on an open market in the Sudanese city of Omdurman by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has left at least 54 people dead and 158 injured, health authorities reported on Saturday. This latest atrocity adds to the escalating civil war that has devastated the northeastern African nation.

The attack on the Sabrein Market marks a grim escalation in the ongoing conflict. The RSF, which has been engaged in a fierce battle with the Sudanese military since April 2023, has yet to comment on the incident.

Government spokesperson and Minister of Culture Khalid al-Aleisir condemned the attack, highlighting the numerous women and children among the casualties. He described the incident as a "criminal act" and a "blatant violation of international humanitarian law."

The attack has caused widespread destruction and left a significant shortage of medical personnel, particularly surgeons and nurses, at Al-Naw Hospital, which received most of the market casualties. A video posted on social media by correspondent Nezar Bogdawi from Saudi-owned Al Arabiya TV showed numerous body bags lined up outside the hospital.

The Sudanese army reported late Saturday that its forces had successfully expelled the RSF from several areas in Gezeira province. This follows a similar attack last week in El Fasher, where an RSF attack on the city's only functioning hospital killed approximately 70 people.

The ongoing conflict has had devastating consequences for Sudan. Over 28,000 people have been killed, millions have been displaced from their homes, and famine threatens parts of the country. The conflict has been marred by horrific atrocities, including ethnically motivated killings and rape, according to the United Nations and human rights groups.

The International Criminal Court is currently investigating alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the conflict. The United States has accused the RSF and its proxies of committing genocide.

In recent months, the RSF has suffered several setbacks on the battlefield, giving the military the upper hand in the war. The RSF has lost control of numerous areas in Khartoum, Omdurman, and the eastern and central provinces. The military has also regained control of Wad Medani, the capital of Gezira province, and the country's largest oil refinery.