On Monday, March 17, 2025, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched a heavy artillery attack on the city of El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan State in western Sudan. This assault, which specifically targeted the residential neighborhoods of Al Petrol and Al Sharigha, resulted in the deaths of at least three civilians and left 20 others injured, several of them critically. The artillery, comprising highly explosive shells, caused extensive damage to civilian homes and infrastructure, leaving many civilians trapped under rubble and igniting fires throughout the city.

Among the victims, a particularly tragic case stands out: a young boy, who was returning home from school at Zain Al-Abden Primary School for Boys in the Al Petrol neighborhood, was killed while returning home. His name remains unknown, but he was found lifeless, still clutching his notebook and a small amount of lunch money. His death starkly highlights the extreme vulnerability of children in armed conflict and the disproportionate impact that violence has on innocent civilians. This tragedy emphasizes the severe consequences of the ongoing violence, particularly on those unable to protect themselves.

Additionally, this morning, the soul of the righteous and respected young man, Sheikh Hussein Al-Amin Al-Hindi, the successor of the Burhaniya Sufi in El-Obeid, was tragically claimed as a result of the random shelling by the RSF on the eastern neighborhoods of the city. His passing is deeply mourned by the community and is a poignant reminder of the wide-reaching impact of this conflict on the social and spiritual fabric of society.

 

The March 17 attack marks the sixth consecutive day of artillery bombardments in El Obeid, further worsening the already dire conditions for its residents. Although initial reports did not confirm additional casualties, the ongoing bombardment continues to place civilians in significant danger. The situation remains precarious, with widespread displacement, shortages of essential supplies, and severe disruption to daily life.

Since the conflict erupted between the Sudanese military and the RSF on April 15, 2024, El Obeid has been repeatedly targeted, and the situation has worsened. Essential resources such as food, water, and medical aid are becoming increasingly scarce, exacerbating the suffering of the civilian population. The city has become a focal point in the broader conflict, with the RSF seeking to expand its control, while the Sudanese military defends key sites in the region.

The use of heavy artillery against civilian areas by the RSF is a clear violation of international humanitarian law and human rights standards. These attacks breach the principles of distinction and proportionality, which are fundamental to the protection of civilians in armed conflict. The targeting of residential neighborhoods and civilian infrastructure undermines the rights and safety of the population, instilling fear and insecurity, and leaving many residents vulnerable to further attacks.

Statement from the Darfur Network for Human Rights:

The Darfur Network for Human Rights condemns the recent RSF artillery attacks on El-Obeid, which have resulted in the deaths of innocent civilians. These indiscriminate strikes are clear violations of international law and have caused immense suffering.

We call for immediate international action to hold perpetrators accountable and to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to those affected.