An attack on the open market in Omdurman, Sudan, perpetrated by the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF), resulted in the deaths of 54 people and left more than 158 injured, according to health authorities. This incident marks yet another tragedy in the ongoing civil war that has ravaged the northeastern African country since April 2023.

The RSF targeted the Sabrein Market, and local officials reported that many of the victims were women and children. Khalid al-Aleisir, Sudan's culture minister, condemned the attack, describing it as a "blatant violation of international humanitarian law." He emphasized the widespread destruction caused and reaffirmed the militia's bloody track record, branding the act as criminal.

Reports indicate that one mortar shell exploded near Al-Naw Hospital, which treated most of the casualties. Many bodies were brought to the hospital, revealing the significant impact on the vulnerable population, particularly women and children. The hospital has been struggling with a shortage of medical personnel, complicating the rescue efforts.

A doctor at the hospital described a scene of “utter carnage”, as dozens arrived with devastating injuries. A video circulated by correspondent Nezar Bogdawi from Al Arabiya showed numerous body bags lined outside the facility, highlighting the day’s horrors.

This attack follows an earlier RSF assault last week in El Fasher, which resulted in approximately 70 deaths at the region's only functional hospital. The ongoing conflict has claimed over 28,000 lives, necessitating the displacement of millions and leading to desperate survival tactics, such as families resorting to eating grass in famine-stricken areas.

The situation has raised alarms globally, with the International Criminal Court investigating possible war crimes and the U.S. government accusing the RSF of genocide. Reports have documented grave atrocities, including ethnic killings and sexual violence, during this civil war, which has recently seen the military regain control of several regions from the RSF.

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