KHARTOUM, Sudan

More than 70 people were killed in a drone strike by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group in El Fasher city in western Sudan, a Sudanese governor said on Saturday.

Darfur Governor Arcua Minnawi said on his X account that the attack targeted the Saudi Hospital in El Fasher, the capital city of North Darfur state.

“The attack wiped out all the patients inside the hospital’s emergency department, including women and children,” he added.

The governor shared photos on his social media account showing massive damage at the hospital.

There was no immediate comment from the RSF on the report.

El Fasher, a key hub for humanitarian operations across Darfur's five states, has been a flashpoint since May 10, despite international warnings against further escalation.

The conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF, which began in mid-April 2023, has claimed more than 20,000 lives and displaced 14 million people, according to the UN and local authorities.

A study by US-based universities estimates the death toll at around 130,000.

International organizations have warned about a worsening humanitarian catastrophe, with millions facing famine and death due to food shortages amid fighting that has spread to 13 of Sudan’s 18 states.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar