On February 1, 2025, a devastating shelling attack struck the Sabrein Market in Omdurman, Sudan, killing at least 56 people and injuring 158 others. The attack, one of the deadliest in recent weeks, has been attributed to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), though the RSF has denied responsibility. The assault has further deepened the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan, where a civil war has raged since April 2023.

The conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) has devastated the country, particularly in the capital, Khartoum, and its twin city, Omdurman. In recent weeks, the SAF has intensified its military offensive to reclaim territories held by the RSF, leading to significant civilian casualties. The shelling of the Sabrein Market occurred amid these escalations, adding to the toll of the prolonged war.

In response to the attack, the RSF claimed they did not target populated areas and suggested that the artillery shells originated from SAF military platforms. However, international humanitarian organizations and Sudanese authorities have accused both sides of targeting civilians throughout the conflict. The United Nations’ Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, strongly condemned the strike on the market and other attacks on residential neighborhoods in Omdurman.

This tragic event highlights the escalating violence and the worsening humanitarian situation in Sudan. With over 28,000 deaths and millions displaced, the crisis continues to deepen. The international community has renewed calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the urgent protection of civilians caught in the crossfire.