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August 10, 2024 (El Fasher) – The Sudanese army said on Saturday that it had repelled a large-scale attack by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on the city of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state.
The Rapid Security Forces have intensified their attacks on El Fasher in recent days, causing civilian casualties and forcing large numbers of residents to flee.
“Our forces today crushed a large-scale attack by the Rapid Security Forces militia on El Fasher,” military spokesman Brigadier General Nabil Abdullah said in a statement.
General Abdul Adam Carter, commander of the joint force operation, told Sudan Tribune that this was the most violent attack the city had seen since the start of the conflict. He said the Rapid Security Forces had mobilized all their forces to try to capture the city but had encountered strong resistance.
The military said they destroyed more than a dozen RSF vehicles and seized about 20. The military also claimed that hundreds of RSF fighters were killed. Sudan Tribune was unable to independently verify these claims. The RSF could not be reached for comment.
According to witnesses, the clashes began when RSF fighters infiltrated several neighborhoods of El Fasher and abused fleeing residents. The military said the RSF attacked the city from three directions, using thousands of mercenaries and modern weapons.
The fighting lasted for about six hours before the RSF was repelled. In retaliation for the defeat, the RSF shelled the city from outside, targeting camps for displaced persons, hospitals and other civilian infrastructure.
Volunteers in El Fasher accused the Rapid Security Forces of killing civilians on ethnic grounds. Volunteer Ahmed Mustafa told Sudan Tribune that at least three civilians were summarily executed in two neighborhoods.
The health sector in El Fasher is on the verge of collapse, with hospitals struggling to cope with the influx of wounded and severe shortages of medical supplies.
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