Reports indicate that more than 460 individuals have been killed following an assault on the Saudi Maternity Hospital in el-Fasher, the provincial capital of North Darfur. The incident occurred over the weekend when the facility was overtaken by the Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary group in Sudan, after more than 500 days of siege in the area.
The Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, expressed his profound dismay over the situation. He stated that the reported death toll includes both patients and their companions who were present during the attack. In a statement, Ghebreyesus described the reports as “appalling and deeply shocking,” highlighting the devastating impact on the local community.
The assault on the hospital comes as violence has surged in the region, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis. The WHO has been monitoring the situation closely, as healthcare facilities continue to be targeted amid ongoing conflict. This incident serves as a tragic reminder of the toll that violence takes on civilian populations, particularly in areas where medical resources are already stretched thin.
In the aftermath of this tragedy, humanitarian organizations are calling for immediate action to protect healthcare workers and facilities. The WHO has emphasized the need for safe access to medical services for those affected by the conflict. As the situation develops, the international community is urged to respond promptly to prevent further loss of life and to ensure that adequate support reaches those in need.
As reports continue to emerge from Darfur, the extent of the violence and its repercussions for the local population remains a pressing concern. The WHO and other humanitarian groups are working to assess the full impact of this tragic event and to provide necessary support to the survivors.
