675 Civilians Killed in Militia Bombardment on El Fasher
Sudan Events – Agencies
A field report prepared by the Displacement and Voluntary Return Department of the Humanitarian Aid Commission in North Darfur State — covering the period from August 29 to September 14 — has revealed the extent of the humanitarian crisis in El Fasher, where 675 civilians were killed as a result of artillery and drone strikes carried out by the Dagalo rebel militia against the city’s residents.
According to the report, 327 of the victims were children, 264 were women, and 84 were elderly men.
The report also stated that an additional 229 people died from hunger caused by the ongoing siege during the same period, including 171 children and 58 elderly individuals.
It noted that there are currently 127 displacement centers and gathering points hosting internally displaced persons (IDPs) in El Fasher. Of these, 107 centers remain operational, while 20 centers have been rendered non-functional due to deliberate artillery bombardments by the militia and its affiliates — significantly reducing available shelter capacity and increasing pressure on the remaining sites.
The total number of displaced families has reached 12,163, comprising 74,050 individuals, highlighting the severe humanitarian strain and urgent need for assistance.
The report further indicated that three major camps around El Fasher — Al Salam, Abu Shouk, and Zamzam — are now out of service following continuous heavy attacks involving artillery, strategic drones, and suicide drones.
Regarding humanitarian kitchens (tekayas), the report documented 22 operating kitchens across the city. However, only 6 are functioning regularly, while 15 operate intermittently due to funding shortages or security threats. Approximately 18% of all tekayas are reported to be operating below capacity or irregularly.
The report warned that the recorded figures reflect an unfolding humanitarian catastrophe that requires an immediate, comprehensive, and coordinated response at all levels.
It urged immediate air-dropping of food supplies into El Fasher, financial support for the state’s Ministry of Social Welfare and Development and the Zakat Chamber to sustain aid for IDPs and residents, and the establishment of safe humanitarian corridors for delivering relief and evacuating the wounded.
The report also called for immediate and effective security measures to protect operational centers and gatherings, and for decisive action against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia, which continues to target civilians and humanitarian workers, disrupting relief operations.
It emphasized the urgent need to support the health sector, supply medical centers with essential medicines, and dispatch an emergency shipment of medical supplies—particularly those needed for war injuries, epidemic control, and maternal and child health. The report also recommended strengthening specialized medical and psychosocial support teams for displaced populations.
Furthermore, it called for urgent food assistance, support for community-led initiatives, and provision of fuel and basic supplies to sustain daily humanitarian operations. Immediate financial aid was also recommended for the most vulnerable groups through the Ministry of Social Welfare and protection organizations.
Finally, the report proposed targeted protection and assistance programs for 38,017 children, 29,373 women, and 5,021 elderly persons, along with a rapid assessment and rehabilitation of shelters, increased underground bunkers, and sustained food relief for 91,414 displaced persons and 58,300 host community members living within El Fasher neighborhoods.
