Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, saw renewed fighting on Thursday as the military launched an operation to reclaim areas controlled by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Airstrikes and intensified military activity were reported in Khartoum and Omdurman, marking the heaviest fighting in months. The escalation coincides with Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan’s expected address at the United Nations General Assembly.

In North Darfur, the city of El Fasher has faced some of the worst conflict, with RSF forces besieging it since May. On September 20 and 21, artillery shelling in a local market killed at least 20 civilians, according to UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk.

Meanwhile, Sudan’s cholera outbreak has worsened significantly. In just two days, nearly 100 new deaths were reported, bringing the total to 473 since the onset of the rainy season two months ago. The country’s health ministry recorded 14,944 cholera cases across 10 states, with UNICEF and WHO ramping up vaccination campaigns to curb the spread.

Cholera, a deadly disease transmitted through contaminated food and water, was declared an outbreak in August after heavy rains and floods worsened conditions in eastern Sudan, where millions have been displaced due to the ongoing conflict. UNICEF has warned that 3.4 million children under five are at high risk of disease.

The war, which began in April 2023, has created dire conditions for Sudan’s population, leaving many vulnerable to food insecurity, displacement, and disease outbreaks.