Full Breakdown
Deadly Drone and Artillery Strikes in El-Fasher, Sudan
10/12/2025, 1:31:12 AM
Overview of the Attack
On October 11, 2025, a drone and artillery assault by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) targeted the Dar al-Arqam displacement center in El-Fasher, North Darfur, resulting in the deaths of at least 60 individuals, including women and children. This attack marks one of the deadliest incidents in the ongoing conflict, which has seen the RSF intensifying its siege of El-Fasher, the last major city in Darfur still under the control of the Sudanese army.
Context of the Conflict
The RSF has been engaged in a violent struggle against Sudan's military since April 2023, following escalating tensions that erupted into civil war. The conflict has led to tens of thousands of deaths, the displacement of millions, and a humanitarian crisis affecting nearly 25 million people in Sudan. El-Fasher has become a focal point in this struggle, with the RSF seeking to consolidate control over the region.
Details of the Assault
Local activists reported that the RSF struck the displacement center twice with drones and eight times with artillery shells. Eyewitness accounts described horrific scenes, with bodies trapped under rubble and many victims burned alive. The El-Fasher resistance committee condemned the attack, stating, "Children, women, and the elderly were killed in cold blood," and emphasized the dire humanitarian situation, calling it "beyond disaster and genocide."
Humanitarian Impact
The ongoing conflict has severely impacted the civilian population in El-Fasher. The city has been described as an "open-air morgue," with food scarcity leading to skyrocketing prices for basic necessities. The United Nations reported that 80% of those in need of medical care in El-Fasher cannot access it due to continuous bombardment of hospitals and clinics. The RSF's siege has also led to widespread hunger and disease outbreaks, including cholera.
Official Responses
International organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), have called for immediate protection of medical facilities and humanitarian access. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the urgent need for support for health workers and patients, as many hospitals in El-Fasher have been forced to shut down due to the violence.
Criticism & Opposition
Human rights organizations and local activists have condemned the RSF's actions, labeling the recent attack as one of the most atrocious massacres since the conflict began. The Mashad Organization characterized the assault as an "act of genocide carried out before the eyes of a silent world," reflecting widespread outrage over the international community's inaction.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There are discrepancies in casualty figures reported by different sources. While local activists and the El-Fasher resistance committee reported at least 60 deaths, other reports indicated numbers as low as 53. The exact number of wounded also varies, with reports ranging from 21 to 43 injured.
Conclusion
The situation in El-Fasher remains critical as the RSF continues its assault, threatening to gain full control of the Darfur region. The humanitarian crisis deepens, with millions affected by violence, hunger, and disease, while calls for international intervention grow louder amidst the ongoing atrocities.
