At least 21 killed in RSF shelling of Sennar market

September 8, 2024 (SENNAR,) – At least 21 people were killed and more than 70 injured in heavy artillery shelling by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on a crowded market in the city of Sennar on Sunday, doctors said.

The RSF seized control of Sennar state’s capital Singa in late June and has since been battling the army for control of Sennar city.

The Sudanese Doctors Network said in a statement the shelling targeted the city’s main market, condemning it as a “massacre” of civilians.

Witnesses and military sources told Sudan Tribune the death toll could exceed 150, with the shelling hitting the vegetable and fish markets, a public transport station and residential areas.

The RSF attack came in response to airstrikes by the Sudanese army on RSF positions in southern and western Sennar, as well as in Sinjah and Al-Suki.

The paramilitary group has recently intensified attacks on civilian areas in Omdurman, El Fasher in North Darfur, and Sennar, leading to numerous deaths and destruction.