
Over 6,000 killed in rapid al Fashir offensive by paramilitary forces
Over 6,000 killed in rapid al Fashir offensive by paramilitary forces
- In late October 2025, the Rapid Support Forces took control of Al Fashir, resulting in over 6,000 deaths within three days.
- The UN documented extensive atrocities during the RSF offensive, including mass killings and sexual violence.
- The ongoing violence and human rights violations underscore a concerning cycle of impunity in the Sudanese conflict.
Story
In October 2025, a paramilitary group known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched a brutal offensive on the city of Al Fashir, resulting in the deaths of over 6,000 individuals within just three days. This attack marked a significant escalation in violence within the Darfur region, as the RSF had previously besieged the city for more than 18 months. The UN Human Rights Office reported extensive human rights violations during this offensive, highlighting a pattern of ethnic violence and brutal acts committed by the RSF and their allied Arab militias, the Janjaweed. Amidst the chaos, the UN documented at least 4,400 killings within the city itself from October 25 to 27. Additional casualties occurred as more than 1,600 people were murdered while attempting to flee the RSF onslaught. The urgent need for humanitarian aid and protection for civilians became evident as the situation in Al Fashir escalated, signaling the destruction of a once-civil environment. Reports of atrocities committed during the RSF's takeover included mass killings, summary executions, sexual violence, and torture, particularly targeting women and girls. The UN's detailed 29-page report underscores the widespread and systemic nature of these violations, raising concerns regarding impunity that perpetuates ongoing cycles of violence within Sudan. The coordinated assaults further reflect a disturbing trend within the ongoing conflict, where RSF fighters appear to document their own war crimes through social media. The power struggle that ignited this conflict erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese army and the RSF, leading to open combat across the nation. The ensuing humanitarian crisis has emerged as potentially the largest in the world, with many areas facing starvation and extensive displacement. The International Criminal Court is investigating these incidents with a focus on potential war crimes and crimes against humanity. As allegations of support for the RSF have surfaced, particularly involving the United Arab Emirates, the situation becomes increasingly contentious and complex. The UAE has refuted these claims amidst the chaos, impacting international relations and complicating efforts for peace and resolution in Sudan.