RSF shelling kills civilians in Omdurman, oil refinery bombed

May 19, 2024  (OMDURMAN/KHARTOUM) – Sudanese activists reported the deaths of 11 civilians in Omdurman on Saturday due to artillery shelling by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The RSF, in turn, accused the Sudanese army of bombing the Khartoum oil refinery with explosive barrels, causing significant damage.

The attack on Omdurman, described as indiscriminate by local resistance committees, targeted civilians waiting for transportation and residents in the Al-Manara neighbourhood. The shells were reportedly fired from RSF positions in Khartoum North.

The RSF also claimed that the army bombed the Al-Gaili oil refinery, the largest in the country and under RSF control since the conflict began in April 2023. The RSF condemned the alleged attack as “systematic destruction and sabotage of public facilities.”

Meanwhile, the Sudanese army conducted airstrikes on RSF targets in El Fasher and Nyala, the capitals of North and South Darfur states, respectively. These cities have seen intense fighting in recent days, with El Fasher particularly under siege by the RSF.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has resulted in widespread displacement and a humanitarian crisis. The recent attacks on civilian areas and critical infrastructure further exacerbate the dire situation in the country.