Sudan army says RSF shelling killed 55 civilians in two days in El Fasher
April 22, 2025 (EL FASHER) – The Sudanese army in El Fasher reported Tuesday that 55 civilians were killed and others injured in two days of artillery shelling on the North Darfur capital by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Injured residents in El Fasher and nearby camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) are resorting to using salt to clean wounds and cloth strips for bandages due to acute shortages of medical supplies amid an ongoing siege and the destruction or closure of most health facilities, sources said.
The army’s 6th Infantry Division said in a statement that RSF shelling killed eight civilians and injured 20, including women and children, on Tuesday.
On Monday, the RSF fired around 250 shells (120mm calibre), killing 47 civilians, the statement added. Among the dead were 10 women; four reportedly burned inside their homes, and two were killed while outside, including one carrying her 5-month-old baby.
The army had previously reported that RSF shelling on Sunday killed at least 33 civilians and injured dozens after over 300 projectiles hit the city.
El Fasher residents endure dire shortages of food, medicine, and safe drinking water amid relentless shelling by artillery and drones. The attacks reportedly intensified after the RSF seized control of the nearby Zamzam IDPs camp on April 14.
The army division claimed the “indiscriminate” shelling was retaliation for “significant losses” the RSF suffered recently. The division also claimed it fought 205 battles around El Fasher, capturing equipment and personnel who allegedly revealed RSF plans to seize the city.
On Monday, the army reported destroying an RSF artillery position north of El Fasher.
El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, remains under a strict siege by the RSF, which has been attacking the city since May 11, 2024. The siege has seen RSF attacks destroy infrastructure and supply lines, with reports of violations including sexual violence against fleeing civilians.