Heavy fighting engulfs North Darfur capital

July 31, 2024 (EL FASHER,) – Intense fighting erupted in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, on Wednesday, as the Sudanese army and its allied armed movements clashed with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Eyewitnesses told Sudan Tribune the clashes were among the most violent in El Fasher since the conflict began in May. The battles involved heavy artillery, drones, and airstrikes.

The army launched airstrikes targeting RSF positions, attempting to destroy heavy weaponry used to attack central El Fasher and key locations.

The RSF responded with anti-aircraft fire and renewed artillery shelling. Local authorities reported over 60 deaths and nearly 100 injuries from RSF shelling in recent days.

Both sides also deployed drones in El Fasher, further escalating the violence. Heavy weapons clashes continued throughout Wednesday in the southern and eastern parts of the city.

The intensified fighting has triggered a mass displacement of civilians and internally displaced persons (IDPs) towards areas controlled by the Sudan Liberation Movement in Tawila and Jebel Marra.