At least 1,500 civilians have been killed in Sudan’s western Darfur city of el-Fasher in just three days, according to the Sudan Doctors Network. The deaths occurred after the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) took control of the city amid the ongoing civil war.
Eyewitnesses have reported horrific scenes, including targeted executions, attacks on hospitals, and widespread violence that human rights groups describe as “a true genocide.” The RSF, which is fighting Sudan’s military for power, allegedly targeted civilians trying to flee el-Fasher. The Sudan Doctors Network called the violence a “systematic campaign of killing and extermination.”
Satellite images analyzed by Yale’s Humanitarian Research Lab (HRL) support these reports. The images show clusters resembling human bodies and large areas of red discoloration across the city.
The Sudanese government said that over 2,000 people have died since the RSF captured el-Fasher. Aid groups have documented house-to-house raids, summary executions, and assaults on people escaping the city. Reports of sexual violence, particularly against women and girls, have also emerged.
Hospitals under attack
One of the worst incidents occurred at the Saudi Hospital, where hundreds of civilians were taking shelter. Videos on social media showed RSF fighters firing at civilians and executing patients inside the facility.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus confirmed that over 460 people were killed at the Saudi Maternity Hospital, calling the situation “deeply shocking.”
International condemnation
Several countries, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkiye, and Qatar, have condemned the violence in Sudan. They urged an immediate ceasefire and safe access for humanitarian aid.
The RSF, which evolved from the Janjaweed militias responsible for the early 2000s Darfur genocide, has been accused by the United States of committing genocide once again.
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Experts warn that the scale of violence in Sudan is unprecedented. Nathaniel Raymond of Yale’s HRL described satellite evidence showing new mass casualties appearing within hours. Analysts say the conflict stems from failed efforts to merge the RSF with the national army and the group’s drive to control Sudan’s key resources and territories.
