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On April 15, 2023, clashes occurred between the Sudanese National Army and Rapid Support Forces in Khartoum.
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A UNHAS aircraft at Khartoum Airport was damaged in crossfire, impacting humanitarian operations.
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On April 16, the SAF asked all citizens to remain indoors in order to conduct a “complete aerial survey of RSF positions.”
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On April 16, the Sudanese Doctors Union reported 56 people killed and 600 injured.
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WHO is working with the Khartoum Ministry of Health to support hospitals treating the injured.
Situation overview
Just before 9am on April 15, 2023, clashes broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Khartoum. Heavy gunfire and explosions could be heard from several locations in Khartoum. RSF issued a statement claiming it had taken control of Khartoum International Airport, the presidential palace, state television and other key locations in the city. News also broke around the same time of clashes at the Merowe military base in northern Sudan and a fierce gunfight at the Soba military base in southern Khartoum.
Shortly after, the SAF attacked RSF positions from the air and heavy fighting could be heard at the airport. Several civilian aircraft were reportedly damaged, including, according to unconfirmed reports, the fixed-wing aircraft of the United Nations Humanitarian Aviation Service (UNHAS), the only one still operating despite recent funding shortfalls. It also includes a machine. If confirmed, this would have a significant impact on humanitarian workers’ access to remote areas of the country where humanitarian needs are most acute.
Fighting continues day and night in Khartoum, with most shops and services remaining closed and residents mostly staying at home. It is currently unclear which side controls which key facilities and areas, but clashes are expected to continue in the coming days. In the evening, the SAF announced that all citizens should remain indoors on April 16 while it carried out a “complete aerial survey of RSF positions.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported 27 people killed and 386 injured in Khartoum state by 20:00 (unconfirmed whether all were civilians or combatants included) ). However, by the morning of April 16, the Sudanese Doctors Union reported that this number had reached 56 dead and 600 injured.
WHO is working with the Ministry of Health in Khartoum to support hospitals treating the injured by providing generators and fuel for additional blood bags. Bari Hospital in northern Khartoum is reportedly receiving more than 40 injured civilians and is requesting additional surgical supplies.
Large-scale clashes were reported throughout the day in Al Fasher in North Darfur, El Obeid in North Kordofan, Nyala in South Darfur, and Kassala in Kassala. Movement of humanitarian workers has been suspended in South and West Kordofan provinces, and a joint mission is currently stuck in El Obeid.
It was also reported that on the night of April 15, three United Nations staff members were killed in Kebqabiya, North Darfur. The staff member was part of a group escorted by SAF from Saraf Omra to Kebuqabiya. However, upon arrival, the SAF base was attacked by the RSF and personnel were shot dead. Two additional staff members were seriously injured in the attack. A UN agency vehicle was looted.
Disclaimer
- United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
- For more information on OCHA’s activities, please visit https://www.unocha.org/.