Paramilitary attack in Sudan: 53 killed, including children and women; refugee shelter bombed in Darfur city

At least 53 people, including 14 children and 15 women, were killed when Sudanese paramilitary forces launched an assault on a shelter in a surrounded Darfur city, according to a medical organisation's report on Saturday.

The Sudan Doctors' Network, quoted by AP, reported that the bombardment of el-Fasher also resulted in injuries to 21 people, including five children and seven women.

The Rapid Support Forces targeted the al-Arqam Home, a facility housing displaced families in el-Fasher, the administrative centre of North Darfur province, as stated by the organisation. The shelter is situated within the Omdurman Islamic University premises.

The Friday evening offensive by the Rapid Support Forces represents the most recent lethal assault on el-Fasher, which has served as the conflict's focal point between the Sudanese military and paramilitary groups for several months.

The city has remained under blockade for more than twelve months. The United Nations and various aid organisations caution that 260,000 civilians remain confined within the city limits.