In a tragic escalation of violence in Sudan's Darfur region, a drone attack on the only functioning hospital in El Fasher has resulted in over 70 fatalities, according to reports from local officials and the World Health Organization (WHO). The Saudi Teaching Maternal Hospital was packed with patients at the time of the assault late Friday, with WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus confirming that the majority of victims were women and children.

The attack, which has drawn international condemnation, is part of the ongoing civil war between Sudan's military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Since the outbreak of conflict in April 2023, the violence has displaced millions and killed over 28,000 people, creating one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.

Local officials attribute the drone strike directly to the RSF, which has reportedly targeted the hospital previously. El Fasher, the state's capital, has been besieged since May 2023, exacerbating the already dire conditions for its residents. More than 80% of healthcare facilities in Sudan are out of service due to the conflict, according to the UN.

The humanitarian crisis continues to deepen as ongoing clashes threaten the lives of civilians. The RSF has not responded to claims regarding the hospital attack, while the Sudanese government has condemned it as a violation of international law. The conflict has also led to severe food shortages, with the United Nations warning that famine conditions are expected to spread throughout the region.

As Director-General Ghebreyesus emphasized, "the best medicine is peace," urging both sides to cease hostilities and protect health facilities. The attack on the hospital comes amid intensifying fighting and further disintegration of civil order.

Source: VOA News, Source: CNN, Source: LA Times, Source: The Guardian