An attack on the Sudanese town of Umm Arda has resulted in the deaths of at least 14 civilians and left dozens more wounded, according to a local NGO. The Emergency Lawyers, a rights group, attributed the bloodshed to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The attack has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian crisis in the region.
Earlier, the RSF claimed to have taken control of Umm Arda in the Kordofan region, describing it as 'a significant shift in field operations.' The Emergency Lawyers reported that the RSF attacked the Umm Arda area on Friday, southwest of El Obeid, leading to the deaths and injuries of civilians and causing a wave of displacement.
A source within the Sudanese army told AFP that the army had repelled two attacks in Umm Arda and Jabal al-Hashaba, inflicting losses on the RSF. However, AFP was unable to independently verify the details and outcome of the fighting due to the difficulty of accessing the area and disruptions to communication networks.
The Emergency Lawyers warned of the worsening humanitarian catastrophe in areas already suffering from a siege and a lack of basic services. Humanitarian aid has been suspended in several areas, adding to the suffering of civilians. Save the Children reported that approximately 40,000 children have fled to El Obeid to escape fighting in North Kordofan, with a significant increase in cases of child malnutrition and severe food shortages in displacement camps.
The ongoing war in Sudan, now in its fourth year, has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions. The Sudanese army holds sway in the central and eastern regions, while the Darfur region in the west and parts of the south are under RSF control. The conflict has created a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions in need of assistance.
The situation in Sudan is of particular concern for Bangladesh, given the historical and cultural ties between the two nations. The ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Sudan could have broader regional implications, potentially affecting stability and security in neighboring countries, including Bangladesh.
