Families flee intense fighting near Sudan's Khartoum
- Fighting between the army and paramilitary forces intensified in Khartoum, leading to hundreds of families fleeing their homes.
- The conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and millions displaced, creating a severe humanitarian crisis.
- UN experts have called for an independent force to protect civilians, highlighting potential war crimes committed by both sides.
Intense fighting erupted in Khartoum, Sudan, as the army and paramilitary forces clashed, leading to a mass exodus of families from a northern suburb. The conflict, which began in April 2023, has resulted in significant casualties and widespread displacement, with millions affected by the ongoing violence. Witnesses reported artillery fire from the army targeting the Hattab military base, while the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched attacks on nearby residential areas, capturing and killing civilians. The humanitarian situation has deteriorated drastically, with over 25 million people facing acute hunger, and famine conditions declared in a camp in Darfur. The United Nations has called for an independent force to protect civilians, highlighting severe human rights violations by both the army and RSF that may constitute war crimes. The conflict has not only led to loss of life but has also triggered one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. In response to the escalating violence, the World Health Organization's chief visited Port Sudan, the new seat of government, to assess the health situation and meet with officials. This visit underscores the urgent need for international attention and assistance as the conflict continues to displace families and strain resources. As the fighting persists, the international community is urged to intervene and provide support to the millions of displaced individuals and those suffering from the consequences of the conflict. The situation remains critical, with ongoing military actions and humanitarian needs growing by the day.