El Fasher, Sudan—Five civilians were killed when stray artillery fire slammed into a residential district of El Fasher, marking another lethal turn in the struggle between rival factions. The shells were intended for military positions on the edge of the city but fell short, striking homes in the central residential zone. The violence has been escalating for days, with both sides trading fire across the town.

Residents have been hunkering down in cellars and interior rooms, hoping the heavy weaponry would miss their quarters. The impact early this morning shattered the windows of several buildings and caused a partial collapse of a two-story home. The victims, who were attempting to flee the area, were caught in the open when the volley arrived.

Medical personnel at the city’s remaining operational clinic confirmed the five deaths shortly after the shelling ceased. They were unable to save two other people who sustained shrapnel wounds during the same incident. The facility is now running dangerously low on basic surgical supplies and blood bags.

The fighting has effectively partitioned the city, making it difficult for ambulances to reach those trapped on the front lines. Drivers are now avoiding main roads entirely, navigating through narrow alleys to bypass potential targets. Even these precautions are not always enough to keep them safe from stray rounds.

Local leaders have appealed for a temporary ceasefire to allow for the collection of the dead and the evacuation of the injured. Their pleas have gone unheeded, as both factions remain focused on securing key supply routes through the city. The civilian population is effectively held hostage by the ongoing barrage.

Food supplies are dwindling, and the lack of clean water has forced many to rely on contaminated wells. The strain on the local population is reaching a breaking point, with no safe exits out of the conflict zone. Those who have the means to leave have already done so, leaving the most vulnerable behind.

Outside aid groups are struggling to coordinate any effective intervention due to the total breakdown of communication infrastructure. The city remains shrouded in a haze of smoke and dust, which continues to obscure visibility for those trying to assess the damage. There is no indication that the intensity of the conflict will decrease.

The situation remains dire, with reports of secondary skirmishes occurring on the outskirts of the district throughout the afternoon. Residents are bracing for another night of shelling, having little left to lose. The current state of the city is one of total paralysis, with no clear end to the hostilities in sight.