El-Fasher under siege: satellite images reveal devastation

El-Fasher, a city in Sudan, has faced severe devastation since the onset of the war, particularly from April 2023 when attacks by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) escalated. Satellite imagery has revealed extensive damage, with residential areas suffering significant destruction. Reports indicate that up to 60 missiles were launched daily in May, leading to a two-square-kilometer area being affected by mid-June. The RSF's focus on specific neighborhoods, such as Ashishat, suggests a targeted approach against the Zaghawa ethnic group, raising concerns about ethnic violence. The surrounding villages, including Ammar Jadid, have also been targeted, with many reduced to ashes by early June. Prior to the siege, El-Fasher had around a dozen hospitals, but most have been damaged or destroyed, severely impacting healthcare access. The RSF's attack on the only dialysis center in North Darfur on June 23rd has been particularly devastating, as it left kidney failure patients without treatment, prompting the regional governor to declare it a death sentence for many. Currently, only the Saudi Hospital remains operational, but it is overwhelmed and struggling to provide adequate care. The humanitarian crisis has led to the displacement of over one million people from El-Fasher, with many seeking refuge in nearby camps like Zamzam, which houses over 400,000 displaced individuals. Conditions in these camps are dire, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian assistance. The ongoing conflict and targeted attacks have not only caused physical destruction but have also created a humanitarian disaster, with the local population facing extreme challenges in accessing basic needs and healthcare. The situation in El-Fasher serves as a stark reminder of the broader implications of the conflict in Sudan.