Over 120 civilians killed in shelling in Omdurman

A tragic incident occurred on Monday in Sudan, where a random shelling in the Dar-Salam area of Omdurman resulted in the deaths of at least 120 civilians. According to local volunteer networks, this death toll is provisional, meaning it might increase as rescue efforts continue. Medical facilities are currently overwhelmed, facing severe shortages of supplies necessary to treat the large number of injured from the bombardments. Sudan's ongoing civil war has been raging for 21 months and has led to tens of thousands of deaths, displacing more than 12 million people and pushing the nation toward famine. The conflict began in 2023, attributed to a fallout between the leadership of the Sudanese army and the paramilitary group known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The situation has since spiraled into one of the worst humanitarian crises globally, as recognized by the United Nations. Many regions are experiencing extreme challenges due to ongoing fighting, which has restricted access for emergency response teams. In the last few weeks, the Sudanese army has intensified its offensive in Omdurman, hoping to regain control over areas currently dominated by RSF forces. Reports indicate that the army has successfully taken over three locations and has confiscated weapons abandoned by the paramilitary fighters. In response, RSF combatants have been relocating from their positions in several neighborhoods across Khartoum and Omdurman, leading to a significant uptick in shelling incidents affecting civilians. The Ombada Emergency Response Room has expressed concerns about the devastation in the area, highlighting the impact of prolonged fighting on residents, who are constantly exposed to stray bullets and shelling that frequently hit homes and businesses. As both factions continue to engage in hostilities, civilians remain caught in the crossfire, and many have accused both sides of intentionally targeting civilian areas, including hospitals and health workers, which complicates the provision of medical services to those in dire need.