Al-Fasher Tragedy: Satellite Images Reveal Bodies and Large Blood Stains Amid Accusations of Atrocities Against RSF

The American newspaper The Washington Post reported, citing satellite imagery, the presence of military vehicles belonging to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Al-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state in western Sudan, near bodies and large blood stains visible from the air. Over the past 24 hours, reports and testimonies of atrocities and massacres committed by the RSF in Al-Fasher have mounted.

Atrocities and Ethnically Motivated Massacres

• Aid Worker Testimonies: An aid worker (unnamed) told the newspaper that there are "reports of hundreds, if not thousands, of civilians targeted and killed in Al-Fasher on ethnic grounds."

• Separation and Execution: Accounts indicate men and boys were separated from their families and subjected to torture or killing in Al-Fasher. The "Al-Fasher Resistance Committees Coordination" announced that the RSF carried out executions of all the wounded patients at the Saudi Hospital at Al-Fasher University.

• Mass Killing Allegations: The Joint Force of Armed Movements supporting the Sudanese Army in Darfur accused the RSF of killing 2,000 civilians in Al-Fasher during October 26 and 27.

UN Reaction and Humanitarian Situation

• Horror: The UN Humanitarian Team for Sudan stated: "We are horrified by credible reports of widespread violations, including summary executions, targeting civilians on escape routes, raiding homes, and establishing obstacles preventing civilians from reaching safety."

• Call for Safe Passage: The UN previously called on the RSF to allow for "safe passage" for civilians to leave Al-Fasher.

• War Toll: The war between the Sudanese Army and the RSF has been ongoing since April 15, 2023, with regional and international mediation attempts failing. According to UN and local reports, the war has resulted in nearly 20,000 deaths and over 15 million displaced persons and refugees.