Seven killed in shelling of North Darfur camp

November 23, 2024 (EL FASHER) – At least seven people were killed and dozens wounded on Saturday when the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) shelled the Abushok displacement camp in El Fasher, capital of North Darfur state, amid escalating violence in the Darfur region.

Abushok camp houses some 400,000 people displaced by conflict. More than 60% of the camp’s residents have already fled to the town of Tawila and other areas in Jebel Marra due to previous attacks by the RSF.

“Continuing its series of crimes and violations against citizens, the Rapid Support Forces bombed the Abushok camp market with more than ten shells,” the Abushok camp emergency room said in a statement.

Eyewitnesses told Sudan Tribune that RSF artillery also targeted civilian areas in the western and southern neighbourhoods of El Fasher, as well as the city centre. The shelling also hit the headquarters of the 6th Infantry Division, El Fasher Airport and surrounding areas, witnesses said.

In response, a Sudanese military warplane carried out airstrikes targeting RSF positions in the eastern and southern parts of El Fasher, causing powerful explosions and sending plumes of smoke into the air.

Fighting has intensified in recent weeks in El Fasher, the historical capital of Darfur. The Sudanese army and allied armed groups have been battling the RSF since May in a struggle for control of the region.