Horrific scenes following the recent massacre during Sudan’s civil conflict depict vast areas of sand drenched in blood and heaps of bodies. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group, carried out a deadly attack on El Fasher in the Darfur region of Sudan, displacing Sudan’s military from its final stronghold in the area in the latest violent clash of a two-year civil war.
Yale University’s analysis indicates that over 2,000 civilians lost their lives following the army’s withdrawal from El Fasher, leaving a significant number of people, including many children, under the control of the paramilitary forces. Aerial images of Daraja Oula neighborhood in the city show clusters resembling human bodies and reddish stains on the ground, as observed by analysts from Yale School of Public Health’s Humanitarian Research Lab (HRL).
Satellite images display elongated shapes, about two meters in length, near sand berms and pick-up trucks, scattered across the terrain. Comparisons with previous images from the region suggest the presence of blood pools due to the newly visible reddish stains.
Footage reveals vehicles obstructing side streets following alleged “door-to-door clearance operations.” Multiple piles of bodies are spotted around the city’s periphery, where witnesses allege that civilians were shot while attempting to escape.
Yale’s team describes El Fasher as undergoing a systematic process of ethnic cleansing through forced displacement and summary executions targeting indigenous non-Arab communities. Local militia collaborating with the army reported that the RSF committed atrocious acts against innocent civilians, predominantly women, children, and the elderly.
The Sudanese army’s Joint Forces reported that more than 2,000 civilians were executed within 48 hours. Videos circulating on social media portray RSF fighters rejoicing in and around the former army base in El Fasher. The UN Human Rights Office received distressing reports of RSF perpetrating atrocities, including summary executions.
Military officials acknowledged the retreat of troops from the base, citing intense RSF shelling. General Abdel-Fattah Burhan stated that the army withdrew entirely from the city to safeguard civilians from further harm. The General vowed retribution for the violence in El Fasher, emphasizing accountability for the perpetrators.
British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper condemned the pattern of abuses in El Fasher, including systematic killings, torture, and sexual violence. RSF fighters reportedly ransacked hospitals and medical facilities in El Fasher, exacerbating the destruction of essential infrastructure supporting life and healthcare.
Detainees include a local journalist, highlighting concerns of potential mass violations in El Fasher. The Doctors’ Union characterized RSF’s actions as barbaric and urged the international community to classify the group as a terrorist entity.