RSF Drone Strike Kills Dozens in Sudanese Civilian Shelter

A deadly drone attack conducted by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on a civilian shelter in El-Fasher, Sudan, has left dozens dead, according to a report from a local relief organization. The assault on Saturday targeted a facility housing individuals displaced by the ongoing conflict, marking a severe escalation in the region.

The El-Fasher Resistance Committee released a statement confirming the strike, indicating that the RSF was responsible for the shelling. The committee detailed that many of the victims were burned inside the shelter, while other bodies remained under the collapsed structure. The casualties reportedly included vulnerable groups such as women, children, and the elderly, though official figures are yet to be confirmed.

This incident occurs in a city that has been under a strict RSF-imposed blockade since May 2024. El-Fasher is a critical hub for humanitarian aid operations for the entire Darfur region. The blockade has severely restricted the flow of essential supplies and assistance, creating a dire situation for the civilian population even before this latest attack.

The conflict in Sudan erupted in mid-April 2023 between the national army and the RSF. The violence has led to a catastrophic human toll. United Nations and local authorities estimate the conflict has killed tens of thousands and displaced approximately 15 million people internally and across borders, creating one of the world's most severe displacement crises. Some independent studies suggest the actual death toll may be significantly higher.