Dozens Killed in Rebel Drone Strike on Mosque in Sudan's El Fasher
In a deadly escalation of Sudan's ongoing civil war, a drone strike by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on a mosque in the besieged city of El Fasher, Darfur, has reportedly killed dozens of worshippers. While the death toll varies among sources, it is evident that at least 70 people have lost their lives, with some reports indicating up to 78 casualties. The attack is said to have targeted civilians who had taken refuge in the city's Al-Daraja neighborhood after fleeing the famine-stricken Abu Shouk displacement camp.
A Brutal Civil War
The Sudanese city of El Fasher has been under a brutal siege by the RSF, a rebel group vying to capture the last foothold of Sudan's army in the Darfur region. This attack comes three years into a civil war that has seen civilians bearing the brunt of the conflict. The United Nations has repeatedly warned that civilian deaths are escalating as the conflict drags on.
The Deadly Strike
Local activists and residents report that the strike occurred during early morning prayers. The Al-Daraja neighborhood, where the mosque is located, has become a refuge for residents fleeing the Abu Shouk displacement camp due to the RSF's advance. Among the victims was a doctor who had previously spoken with The New York Times about the dire situation in the city.
Humanitarian Crisis
A recent report by the Yale School of Public Health's Humanitarian Research Lab (HRL) paints a grim picture of the situation for civilians in El Fasher. According to the HRL, residents face the impossible choice of risking starvation or bombing if they stay, and the threat of rape or death if they flee. The report warns that the civilians in El Fasher have no safety in staying and no possibility of escape,
after documenting mass bombardments, rising fatalities, and the near-complete siege of the North Darfur capital. It is estimated that at least 260,000 civilians are trapped in El Fasher, grappling with this harsh reality.
Global Response
This latest strike, one of the deadliest this year in the city, has intensified international calls for an end to the violence. However, there have been no immediate responses from the RSF or the Sudanese government.
Current Situation
As the war drags on, the humanitarian crisis continues to worsen, with civilians caught in the crossfire. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, hoping for a diplomatic resolution that will bring an end to the civil war and alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people. The deadly drone strike on the mosque is a stark reminder of the urgent need for peace in Sudan.