Four killed in renewed clashes between army and RSF in North Kordofan
October 8, 2023 (EL-OBEID) – At least four individuals lost their lives, while 17 others sustained injuries during renewed clashes on Sunday between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in El-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan State.
The RSF’s pursuit of control over El-Obeid, driven by its strategic location connecting the Darfur and Kordofan regions, has sparked intense confrontations with the army in and around the city, leading to the unfortunate deaths of numerous civilians.
Just last week, military aircraft carried out a series of extensive airstrikes targeting RSF positions located west of El-Obeid.
According to eyewitnesses who spoke to Sudan Tribune, violence erupted early Sunday morning when RSF troops infiltrated the Elias neighbourhood from the northwest and looted a civilian’s vehicle. In response, the Sudanese army confronted the RSF fighters, leading to a fierce firefight.
In a bid to contain the RSF threat, the Sudanese army launched a heavy bombardment of RSF positions within the Ghar Mountains, which had served as a primary camp for RSF forces. The RSF retaliated with counter-bombardment, which tragically struck several populated neighbourhoods, causing casualties and partial destruction of several homes.
An anonymous medical source at El-Obeid Hospital confirmed to Sudan Tribune that the hospital had received 17 individuals injured by shrapnel and one fatality, an unidentified child. Additional sources reported three more fatalities resulting from the violence.
In response to the urgent medical needs arising from the conflict, El-Obeid volunteers have appealed for blood donations, as the city faces a severe shortage of blood and life-saving medications. The RSF’s siege of El-Obeid since the early days of the conflict has exacerbated a complex humanitarian and economic crisis.
Access to food and medication remains severely restricted while hospitals grapple with dwindling supplies, jeopardising their ability to function. Furthermore, the local markets have witnessed significant price hikes for essential goods.
(ST)