At least 23 people were killed and 40 injured in an airstrike by General al-Burhan’s forces (SAF) targeting southern Khartoum on Saturday, according to activists.
The strike, part of an ongoing military offensive against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), hit a densely populated market area in the Southern Belt region, damaging homes and businesses.
“The destruction is immense, affecting many high-rise structures in the central market zone,” said Mohamed Kandisha, a spokesperson for the Southern Belt Emergency Room, who also noted the severe strain on hospitals dealing with the surge of injured civilians.
The Southern Belt, including neighborhoods like Al-Ingaz, Al-Salama, and Al-Azhari, has been a flashpoint in the conflict between the SAF and the RSF since hostilities began in April. The area frequently suffers from artillery and airstrikes, leading to heavy civilian tolls.
This latest strike follows a broader military campaign launched on September 26 to reclaim RSF-held territories. However, the SAF’s reliance on airstrikes has drawn criticism from human rights organizations, accusing the military of indiscriminate bombing and risking civilian lives.
The conflict continues to fuel a humanitarian crisis, with mass displacement and shortages of basic necessities. International calls have intensified for both sides to protect civilians and grant humanitarian aid access.
