Yet another attack on the MSF-supported Saudi hospital – the last remaining public hospital in the city with the capacity to treat the wounded and perform surgery – has occurred, causing extensive damage and leaving the facility only partially functioning.
The attack took place on Sunday 11 August, marking the 11th time a hospital in El Fasher has been hit since the fighting escalated on 10 May. The surgical ward was hit during the bombardment, killing the carer of a patient and injuring five others, while the maternity unit was also damaged. In addition, a number of hospital offices were hit, and a nurse sustained injuries while working inside.
Already, Saudi hospital had been inundated with wounded people following heavy fighting on Saturday 10 August. Over 100 people arrived at the facility that day, and 14 passed away from their injuries. At the same time, 15 casualties were brought from El Fasher to MSF’s facilities in Zamzam camp. It is expected that the fighting will become even more intense over the coming days.
“For more than three months, people in El Fasher have been under constant bombardment. Shelling from both sides has impacted on the city resulting in over 2,500 casualties arriving at MSF-supported hospitals and more than 370 of these patients passing away from their injuries. The number of victims of the conflict is unknown,” says Michel Olivier Lacharité, head of MSF’s emergency operations.
“Sunday’s attack on Saudi hospital – which is the largest hospital in North Darfur state – makes it crystal clear that the warring parties are making no efforts to protect health facilities or the civilians inside them. Patients fear for their lives as a result of the relentless attacks.