At least 54 people were killed and 158 others injured in an attack on Sabrein Market in Omdurman, Sudan, on Saturday, February 1, according to Sudan’s health ministry. The attack has been blamed on the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), though the group has denied responsibility.
Medical workers at Al-Nao Hospital reportedly struggled to manage the sudden influx of casualties, as it remains one of the last operational hospitals in Omdurman. The Sudanese Doctors’ Syndicate reported that many of the victims were women and children. A shell also landed near the hospital, putting staff and patients at further risk.
Sudan’s Culture Minister Khalid al-Aleisir condemned the attack, calling it a “criminal act” and a violation of international humanitarian law. He also said the attack also caused widespread damage to homes and businesses.
This incident is part of the ongoing conflict between Sudan’s military and the RSF, which began in April 2023. The fighting has killed more than 28,000 people and displaced over 12 million. Most hospitals are no longer operational, and famine has spread across parts of the country.
In Khartoum, across the Nile from Omdurman, two civilians were killed, and dozens were injured in an airstrike on an RSF-controlled area. The Sudanese army controls airstrikes, while the RSF has used drones in recent attacks.
The United Nations and human rights groups have reported widespread atrocities during the conflict, including ethnic killings and sexual violence. The International Criminal Court is investigating alleged war crimes, and the U.S. has accused the RSF of committing genocide.
In recent months, Sudan’s military has regained control of key areas, including parts of Khartoum and Omdurman, as well as Wad Madani in Gezira province. However, the RSF still holds territory in Omdurman’s outskirts, where Saturday’s attack reportedly originated.
