A drone attack on the Saudi Hospital in el-Fasher, Sudan, has killed at least 30 patients, with estimates of the total deceased rising to over 70. The area is besieged by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which have been involved in ongoing conflicts with the Sudanese Army. The attack reflects a concerning trend of violence against healthcare facilities amidst severe humanitarian challenges in the region.
A tragic drone strike on a hospital in el-Fasher, Sudan, has resulted in at least 30 patient deaths, with reports suggesting the number may exceed 70, as stated by regional governor Mini Minawi. The Saudi Hospital, one of the last operational medical facilities in the war-torn area, has been targeted previously, indicating a troubling pattern of assaults on healthcare sites. The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continues to ravage the region, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
The attack highlights the dire situation in el-Fasher, where the RSF has besieged the city since May 2023, leading to widespread violence and the near-total collapse of medical services. Reports indicate that up to 80 percent of healthcare facilities in Sudan are no longer functional due to the ongoing war. This conflict, originating from disputes concerning military integration, has driven millions into displacement and deepened food insecurity, with famine conditions establishing in local camps.
As the Sudanese Army claims to have broken an RSF siege in Khartoum, where the conflict originated, the RSF has labeled these statements as propaganda, asserting that the army disseminates misinformation to bolster morale. The RSF also denied the army’s claims regarding the capture of strategic locations, further highlighting the chaotic and fragmented nature of the power struggle in the country.
The conflict in Sudan’s Darfur region has intensified since April 2023, when violence erupted between the Sudanese Army and the RSF, a powerful paramilitary group. The RSF has gained control over significant portions of Darfur, effectively besieging areas such as el-Fasher. Health facilities in these beleaguered regions have faced rampant attacks, resulting in devastating consequences for the health and safety of civilians, particularly vulnerable populations such as women and children. As the humanitarian crisis unfolds, international organizations warn of severe impacts on food security and access to medical care.
The recent drone attack on the Saudi Hospital in el-Fasher underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis precipitated by the brutal conflict in Sudan. With healthcare facilities under siege and a significant portion rendered inoperable, the civilian population faces dire health challenges amid widespread violence, displacement, and food insecurity. The situation remains precarious, with both the Sudanese Army and RSF continuing to engage in a devastating struggle for power.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
