Sudan's Darfur Conflict Enters a Bleak Phase, Satellite Images Reveal Mass Killings Continue
Satellite images obtained by Yale researchers have revealed that mass killings are likely continuing in and around El-Fasher, the city seized by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) from the Sudanese army on Sunday. The situation in Sudan has been described as "apocalyptic" by Germany's top diplomat.
According to the Yale Humanitarian Research Lab, which analyzed satellite images taken between Monday and Friday, clusters of objects consistent with human bodies have been detected across neighborhoods, university grounds, and military sites in El-Fasher. This suggests that much of the population may be dead, captured, or in hiding.
The RSF, a paramilitary group descended from militias accused of genocide in Darfur two decades ago, has faced war crimes accusations over the course of the conflict. The US has previously determined that the RSF committed genocide in Darfur.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul described the situation as "absolutely an apocalyptic situation, the greatest humanitarian crisis of the world." He also stated that the RSF had pledged to protect civilians and would be held accountable for their actions.
The UN says more than 65,000 people have fled El-Fasher, but tens of thousands remain trapped. The city's population was around 260,000 before the RSF's final assault.
Reports from survivors who reached the nearby town of Tawila describe mass killings, children shot before their parents, and civilians beaten and robbed as they fled. A mother of five, Hayat, reported that young men traveling with her were stopped by paramilitaries and their fate was unknown.
The RSF has received weapons and drones from the UAE, according to UN reports, though Abu Dhabi has denied giving any support to the paramilitary group. The army has drawn on support from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Turkey.
El-Fasher's capture gives the RSF full control over all five state capitals in Darfur, effectively splitting Sudan along an east-west axis, with the army controlling the north, east, and center. UN officials have warned that the violence is now spreading to the neighboring Kordofan region.
The conflict has fueled what the UN considers the world's single largest humanitarian crisis, with reports emerging of "large-scale atrocities perpetrated" by the RSF. The situation in Sudan remains dire, with satellite images revealing ongoing mass killings and human rights abuses.
As the situation continues to deteriorate, international leaders are calling for accountability and an end to the violence. The RSF must be held responsible for its actions, and civilians must be protected from harm.
Satellite images obtained by Yale researchers have revealed that mass killings are likely continuing in and around El-Fasher, the city seized by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) from the Sudanese army on Sunday. The situation in Sudan has been described as "apocalyptic" by Germany's top diplomat.
According to the Yale Humanitarian Research Lab, which analyzed satellite images taken between Monday and Friday, clusters of objects consistent with human bodies have been detected across neighborhoods, university grounds, and military sites in El-Fasher. This suggests that much of the population may be dead, captured, or in hiding.
The RSF, a paramilitary group descended from militias accused of genocide in Darfur two decades ago, has faced war crimes accusations over the course of the conflict. The US has previously determined that the RSF committed genocide in Darfur.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul described the situation as "absolutely an apocalyptic situation, the greatest humanitarian crisis of the world." He also stated that the RSF had pledged to protect civilians and would be held accountable for their actions.
The UN says more than 65,000 people have fled El-Fasher, but tens of thousands remain trapped. The city's population was around 260,000 before the RSF's final assault.
Reports from survivors who reached the nearby town of Tawila describe mass killings, children shot before their parents, and civilians beaten and robbed as they fled. A mother of five, Hayat, reported that young men traveling with her were stopped by paramilitaries and their fate was unknown.
The RSF has received weapons and drones from the UAE, according to UN reports, though Abu Dhabi has denied giving any support to the paramilitary group. The army has drawn on support from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Turkey.
El-Fasher's capture gives the RSF full control over all five state capitals in Darfur, effectively splitting Sudan along an east-west axis, with the army controlling the north, east, and center. UN officials have warned that the violence is now spreading to the neighboring Kordofan region.
The conflict has fueled what the UN considers the world's single largest humanitarian crisis, with reports emerging of "large-scale atrocities perpetrated" by the RSF. The situation in Sudan remains dire, with satellite images revealing ongoing mass killings and human rights abuses.
As the situation continues to deteriorate, international leaders are calling for accountability and an end to the violence. The RSF must be held responsible for its actions, and civilians must be protected from harm.
This is soooo sad 
... I mean, it's like a nightmare come true 
. All these innocent people 
, just trying to live their lives, and now they're caught in the middle of this bloody war 
. It's like the world is watching 
, but what are we doing to help? 
with all the reports of mass killings and human rights abuses 
... it's like, can't people just get along? 
But I guess that's just not the case anymore 
. The RSF, they're like a bunch of wolves in sheep's clothing 
... they're supposed to be protecting civilians, but really they're just causing more harm 
Like, we can't just sit back and watch this happen 
. We have to speak out, raise awareness, and put pressure on those in power to do something 
... like, take action now! 
these satellite images are showing mass killings and human rights abuses on a massive scale, and the situation is literally described as "apocalyptic". 
65k+ people have already fled el-fasher, but tens of thousands more are still trapped and at risk. it's heartbreaking to think about all those innocent civilians caught in the middle of this conflict 
The fact that the RSF has been accused of genocide in Darfur before and is doing it again is just unacceptable. We can't turn a blind eye to this anymore. 
The international community needs to step up ASAP and make them hold accountable for these atrocities 
. the fact that more than 65,000 people have fled el-fasher and tens of thousands remain trapped is just heartbreaking. and the reports from survivors who reached the nearby town of tawila describe mass killings, children shot before their parents, and civilians beaten and robbed as they fled...it's like, what's happening to humanity right now? 
. it's crazy how bad things are getting in Sudan right now - the numbers of people fleeing are staggering (over 65k) and those still trapped are facing unimaginable terror. 
... hope that things start to look up soon (but probs not). 
this is so depressing, but we gotta acknowledge what's happening in Sudan 
. I'm not trying to downplay the situation or make excuses for anyone, but let's not forget that we're talking about a complex conflict with many players involved 
. It's hard to separate fact from fiction and blame in this situation 
. The UN has been doing a great job, but we can't rely solely on them to fix this crisis 
.
my heart goes out to all those suffering in el-fasher & surrounding areas. can't we just come together as a global community to make sure they receive the help they need? 
And now this is happening all over again in Sudan. I'm getting worried that the world has lost its sense of empathy for people in need. We're just gonna keep repeating the same mistakes until someone changes the script. 
.
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