RSF shelling in Omdurman killed eight civilians as the Sudanese army gains ground. The war, ongoing since April 2023, has caused over 20,000 deaths and a worsening humanitarian crisis.

Eight civilians were killed and four others injured in artillery shelling carried out by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Omdurman, the twin city of Khartoum, the Sudanese Health Ministry reported on Tuesday.

 According to a statement released by the ministry, the RSF launched an artillery attack on two areas within the Al-Thawra neighborhood of Omdurman on Monday night. The ministry described the assault as part of the ongoing and systematic bombardment of residential areas in Omdurman, which has now continued for the second consecutive day.
 
“The rebel militia continues its intense and systematic shelling of Omdurman’s residential areas for the second consecutive day,” the statement read.
 
There has been no immediate response from the RSF regarding the allegations made by the health ministry. However, Monday’s attack follows an earlier shelling by the RSF that resulted in the deaths of four civilians and injuries to 30 others in the city.
 
Over the past several weeks, the Sudanese army has been making significant territorial gains at the expense of the RSF, pushing them back in several key states, including Khartoum, Al-Jazira, White Nile, North Kordofan, Sennar, and Blue Nile.
 
Within Khartoum state, which comprises three main cities, the army has solidified its control over all of Bahri City in the north, secured most parts of Omdurman City in the west, and now holds approximately 75% of central Khartoum City. This includes strategic locations such as the Presidential Palace and the country’s main airport. Despite these setbacks, the RSF still maintains control over the eastern and southern parts of the city.
 
The conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF erupted in mid-April 2023 and has since led to an immense humanitarian crisis. According to the United Nations and local authorities, the war has claimed more than 20,000 lives and displaced an estimated 14 million people. However, independent research conducted by U.S. universities suggests that the actual death toll could be as high as 130,000.
 
International organizations, including the United Nations, have repeatedly called for an immediate end to the hostilities, warning that Sudan is on the brink of a major humanitarian catastrophe. Millions of people across the country are now facing famine and extreme food shortages, with aid agencies struggling to provide relief amid ongoing violence.
 
The conflict has spread across 13 of Sudan’s 18 states, exacerbating the suffering of civilians and destabilizing the region. As the war continues, the international community is increasing pressure on both warring factions to negotiate a ceasefire and prevent further humanitarian devastation.