At least 38 people have been killed in a drone attack on the city of el-Fasher in Sudan’s North Darfur state, according to local activists. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group, targeted the city centre with four high-explosive missiles.
The attack comes amid intense fighting between the RSF and the Sudanese army, who have been locked in a power struggle since mid-April 2023. The conflict has resulted in tens of thousands killed and over 11 million displaced, making it one of the worst humanitarian crises in the region.
Rights groups, including Human Rights Watch (HRW), have accused both sides of targeting civilians, but specifically highlighted widespread sexual violence committed by the RSF. HRW documented dozens of cases of gang rape and sexual slavery targeting women and girls since September 2023.
One survivor described being gang-raped by six RSF fighters who stormed her family compound and killed her husband and son when they tried to intervene. Another survivor recounted being taken with 17 others to a base where they were raped and beaten on a daily basis for three months.
The attacks on healthcare facilities, including a drone strike on a hospital in el-Fasher, have also been condemned by international leaders. The World Health Organization (WHO) described the attacks as “deplorable”.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/12/16/sudans-rsf-kills-at-least-38-in-drone-attack-on-city-of-el-fasher