Collected photo

KHARTOUM, Aug 31, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Shelling by Sudan's Rapid Support Forces 
killed at least seven people and wounded 71 others in El-Fasher, a medical 
source said Sunday, as the paramilitary group launched its fiercest offensive 
yet on the besieged city.

The source, who requested anonymity for safety reasons, said the true toll 
was "likely higher", as many injured have been unable to reach one of the 
western city's few operating hospitals due to the intensity of the RSF's 
strikes.

El-Fasher, the last major city in Darfur still under army control, has become 
the most violent front line in the war between the Sudanese army and the RSF, 
which erupted in April 2023.

The attack, which took place on Saturday, struck several densely populated 
neighbourhoods in the city's west, where RSF forces are attempting to seize 
control of the airport.

Among the wounded, mostly suffering shrapnel injuries, 22 were reported in 
critical condition, according to the source, who was reached via satellite 
internet to bypass a communications blackout.

Since losing control of much of central Sudan, including Khartoum earlier 
this year, the RSF has intensified its attacks on El-Fasher, launching fierce 
artillery strikes and ground incursions into densely populated neighbourhoods 
and the famine-hit Abu Shouk displacement camp.

The besieged population -- estimated at about 300,000 -- has endured severe 
shortages of water and food for more than a year, according to the United 
Nations.

Many have resorted to eating animal fodder and desperate attempts to escape 
into the desert often end in death from exposure, starvation or violence.

The RSF, which recently announced the formation of a parallel government in 
the region, would control all five Darfur state capitals if it successfully 
captures El-Fasher.