On February 2, 2025, shelling at a busy market in Omdurman, Sudan, resulted in over 100 casualties, according to the medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF). The attack, attributed to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has been denied by the RSF, which is currently engaged in a civil war against Sudan’s army.
- Shelling in Omdurman market caused numerous casualties.
- Rapid Support Forces accused of the attack.
- Majority of victims were women and children.
- Civil war has resulted in tens of thousands dead.
- Al Nao hospital overwhelmed with injured patients.
- Emergency services disrupted by recent skirmishes.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has escalated over the past 22 months, leading to a significant humanitarian crisis. The RSF and the Sudanese army have been engaged in violent clashes, with both sides accused of targeting civilians. The recent shelling in Omdurman highlights the dangers faced by non-combatants in the conflict.
Key details surrounding the attack include:
- More than 100 people were killed or injured, with a majority being women and children.
- The RSF is alleged to have conducted the shelling from western Omdurman, where they maintain control.
- The explosion caused significant chaos at Al Nao hospital, which was overwhelmed with injured patients.
Eyewitness accounts describe the scene as “utter carnage,” with one survivor noting that the shells struck the middle of the vegetable market, resulting in numerous casualties. The Sudanese Doctors’ Union has called for additional medical staff to assist at local hospitals, which are facing acute shortages due to the influx of injured individuals.
This tragic incident underscores the severe impact of the civil war on civilians in Sudan, particularly in urban areas like Omdurman. As the conflict continues, the need for humanitarian assistance and protection for non-combatants remains critical.
