The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched a significant offensive in El-Fasher, capturing vital areas but facing retaliation from the Sudanese army. The ongoing violence continues to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis, with reports of famine, war crimes, and desperate civilian circumstances.
Rising Terror in El-Fasher: RSF's Assault Marks New Low in Sudan's Civil War
Rising Terror in El-Fasher: RSF's Assault Marks New Low in Sudan's Civil War
The Rapid Support Forces' recent invasion of El-Fasher reveals the severe deteriorating conditions in Sudan amidst ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises.
The Sudanese paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF) executed a bold and violent incursion into the beleaguered city of El-Fasher on Friday, with a fierce battle stretching seven hours, as reported by witnesses to the BBC. For the first time in 15 months, RSF fighters overtook key locations, including a cattle market, a prison, and a military base, while broadcasting visuals of deserted stockyards on social media. Their maneuver marks a dangerous escalation in a long-standing power struggle for control in western Darfur.
On Saturday morning, the Sudanese army countered the offensive, reclaiming territory and reportedly inflicting “heavy losses” on the RSF. Nonetheless, amid continuing RSF drone shelling, local resident Siddig Omar recounted tragic events, including the death of five civilians from falling debris near his home.
Since April 2023, Sudan has been embroiled in civil war, triggered by deep-seated rivalries between the army and RSF. The ensuing conflict has led to catastrophic humanitarian crises, displacing around 12 million people and leading to over 150,000 deaths. The United Nations has classified this situation as the most severe humanitarian crisis globally.
Despite the military's current hold on El-Fasher, communications breakdown has hampered information flow from the city. The RSF's latest offensive follows a series of artillery strikes and drone deployment, with accusations from the army regarding potential support from the United Arab Emirates, which the Gulf state denies.
Ms. Mathilde Vu from the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has highlighted the dire circumstances facing local residents, recounting harrowing tales of terror, scarcity, and desperate attempts to procure basic food supplies. The NRC has expressed concern over the dwindling international support for those affected, noting that many survivors rely on their community's solidarity as the humanitarian crisis deepens.
In recent weeks, nearly 379,000 individuals have fled toward Tawila in search of refuge but face new challenges, including cholera outbreaks and deteriorating living conditions. Accounts from El-Fasher residents reveal an unrelenting struggle for survival, with severe shortages of food and medicine.
Calls for help underscore the escalating crisis, as individuals share stories of utter desperation with a plea for immediate assistance. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has indicated potential war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the region, rekindling global concerns over ongoing violence and accountability as the dire humanitarian plight continues to unfold in Sudan.
On Saturday morning, the Sudanese army countered the offensive, reclaiming territory and reportedly inflicting “heavy losses” on the RSF. Nonetheless, amid continuing RSF drone shelling, local resident Siddig Omar recounted tragic events, including the death of five civilians from falling debris near his home.
Since April 2023, Sudan has been embroiled in civil war, triggered by deep-seated rivalries between the army and RSF. The ensuing conflict has led to catastrophic humanitarian crises, displacing around 12 million people and leading to over 150,000 deaths. The United Nations has classified this situation as the most severe humanitarian crisis globally.
Despite the military's current hold on El-Fasher, communications breakdown has hampered information flow from the city. The RSF's latest offensive follows a series of artillery strikes and drone deployment, with accusations from the army regarding potential support from the United Arab Emirates, which the Gulf state denies.
Ms. Mathilde Vu from the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has highlighted the dire circumstances facing local residents, recounting harrowing tales of terror, scarcity, and desperate attempts to procure basic food supplies. The NRC has expressed concern over the dwindling international support for those affected, noting that many survivors rely on their community's solidarity as the humanitarian crisis deepens.
In recent weeks, nearly 379,000 individuals have fled toward Tawila in search of refuge but face new challenges, including cholera outbreaks and deteriorating living conditions. Accounts from El-Fasher residents reveal an unrelenting struggle for survival, with severe shortages of food and medicine.
Calls for help underscore the escalating crisis, as individuals share stories of utter desperation with a plea for immediate assistance. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has indicated potential war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the region, rekindling global concerns over ongoing violence and accountability as the dire humanitarian plight continues to unfold in Sudan.
