Brutal clashes continue in W. Kordofan’s Babanusa as civilian toll rises
March 18, 2024 (BABANUSA) – For three consecutive days, fierce fighting has raged between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Babanusa, West Kordofan. The ongoing clashes have left a trail of civilian casualties and threaten a humanitarian crisis.
A former military newspaper editor, Colonel Ibrahim Al-Houri, claimed on Facebook that “enemy forces” near Babanusa were “destroyed” with significant RSF losses. The Babanusa Emergency Room confirmed ongoing clashes since Saturday, resulting in numerous civilian deaths and injuries.
The RSF reportedly besieged the headquarters of the army’s 22nd Infantry Division and the 89th Haggana Brigade. The Sudanese army fiercely defended its position using ground forces and military aircraft. The intense battles have left parts of Babanusa heavily damaged due to explosive devices planted in neighbourhoods and airstrikes targeting RSF positions.
Eyewitnesses reported over 50 explosive barrels dropped by military aircraft on Monday, targeting RSF concentrations within the city.
Video footage shared by RSF platforms shows significant reinforcements arriving in Babanusa. The RSF field commander, Hussein Barshim, vowed to seize the army’s leadership in West Kordofan. Since January, the RSF has repeatedly attempted, but failed, to capture the 22nd Infantry Division headquarters. These offensives have resulted in heavy RSF losses.
The ongoing conflict has displaced over 50,000 civilians living in shelters, creating dire humanitarian conditions. The government warns of a potential famine threatening those who fled the violence.
(ST)