At least 25 people killed, 183 injured in Sudan clashes, toll likely to rise

In a clash between a paramilitary group with the Sudanese army on Saturday, 25 people lost their lives whereas 183 were severely injured, CNN reported citing the Sudanese Central Medical Committee.

The number of victims in the confrontations near Khartoum’s capital is expected to climb. Meanwhile, dozens of injured civilians and military personnel have been treated at Fedail Hospital in central Khartoum in recent hours, according to CNN, citing sources. Some of those who were hurt are in critical condition.

The Sudanese Doctors’ Trade Union earlier reported at least three civilian deaths, two of which occurred at Khartoum International Airport, according to the union’s report, which was released on Saturday, according to CNN.

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has criticised the commencement of combat in Sudan between the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces.

“The Secretary-General calls on the leaders of the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces to immediately cease hostilities, restore calm and initiate a dialogue to resolve the current crisis. Any further escalation in the fighting will have a devastating impact on civilians and further aggravate the already precarious humanitarian situation in the country,” the spokesperson for the Secretary-General said.

The Indian embassy has also made an appeal to the Indians to suspend their ongoing plans to travel to Sudan. In a tweet, the Indian embassy on Saturday wrote, “Indian planning to travel to Sudan should postpone their travel. Please also stay calm and wait for updates.”

The embassy issued the warning in response to fighting between Sudan’s army and paramilitary forces.
Clashes were reported between different factions of Sudan’s armed forces, and multiple gunshots and explosions were heard in several districts of Khartoum on Saturday morning, according to the New York Times.

Later in the day, as the confrontations intensified, the Sudanese paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF) claimed control of the Presidential Palace.