New fighting broke out between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in the city of Sinja, Sennar State, exacerbating civilian suffering and increasing violations.
The Rapid Support Forces launched their attack on Sennar State, attacking the village of Mount Moya before moving to the provincial capital, Sinja, igniting new battles.
There were conflicting statements about control of Sinja, as the Rapid Support Forces claimed that they had taken control of the main facility of the army, the headquarters of the 17th Infantry Division. On the other hand, Brigadier General Nabil Abdullah, spokesman for the Sudanese Armed Forces, announced that the army had regained control of the facility, and that fighting was still continuing.
Fighters in small trucks invaded the Sinja area, carrying automatic rifles, looted homes and shops in the local market and seized the city’s main hospital, and the Rapid Support Forces claimed to have penetrated the army’s defenses in the city.
The clashes led to the deaths of more than 14,000 people and the injury of 33,000 others, according to the United Nations, while it is believed that the real numbers may be much higher.
The Sudan Conflict Monitoring Group warned that the RSF’s takeover of Sinja could lead to dire humanitarian consequences, including the disruption of agricultural programs in the Blue Nile, White Nile and Gezira regions.
The clashes forced at least 327 families to flee Mount Moya and Sinja to safer areas, and residents reported widespread looting of homes and shops, and fighters seizing private cars, mobile phones, jewelry and other valuable property.
The Rapid Support Forces attacked Sinja Teaching Hospital and detained dozens of patients and medical staff as human shields, which constitutes a clear violation of international humanitarian law. The fighters turned the hospital into a military center, further aggravating the humanitarian crisis in the city.
International calls are increasing for a ceasefire, the protection of civilians, and the provision of the necessary humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people.
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