At least ten civilians, including a child, were killed and 23 injured in an RSF shelling in El-Fasher, Sudan. The conflict between the army and RSF has killed over 20,000 people, with estimates suggesting a much higher toll.

At least ten civilians were killed, and 23 others were injured in an artillery shelling by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in North Darfur State, western Sudan, the army reported on Wednesday.

Among the victims was a three-year-old child, as the attack targeted shelters in El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, according to an army statement. There has been no response from the RSF regarding the army’s claims.

El-Fasher serves as a key humanitarian operations hub for the five Darfur states, making the attack particularly concerning for aid efforts in the region. Despite recent losses, the RSF still controls four of Darfur’s five states, while northern and eastern Sudan remain largely unaffected by the fighting.

Sudan has been engulfed in war between the army and the RSF since mid-April 2023, with more than 20,000 people killed and 15 million displaced, according to the UN and local authorities. However, research from U.S. universities estimates the actual death toll to be around 130,000, highlighting the severe toll of the ongoing conflict.