Full Breakdown
Sudanese Paramilitary Forces Attack Darfur Town, Leaving 28 Dead
2/25/2026, 5:12:41 AM
Attack on Misteriha
On Monday, Sudanese paramilitary forces, known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), launched a large-scale assault on the town of Misteriha in North Darfur, resulting in the deaths of at least 28 individuals and injuries to 39 others, including 10 women. The attack was reported by the Sudan Doctors Network, which monitors violence in the ongoing conflict that has engulfed Sudan since April 2023. Misteriha is a stronghold of tribal leader Musa Hilal, who belongs to the Rizeigat Arab tribe, the majority of which comprises the RSF's membership. The RSF's offensive began with drone strikes targeting Hilal's guesthouse over the weekend, followed by a ground assault that led to the capture of the town.
The RSF's actions included shelling the local healthcare center and assaulting medical personnel, with at least one healthcare worker reported missing after being detained. Emergency Lawyers, an independent organization documenting atrocities in Sudan, reported that RSF fighters set fire to numerous homes, forcing residents to flee to nearby villages. The RSF's control over Misteriha is expected to exacerbate existing tribal tensions in a region historically marked by violence.
Broader Context of the Conflict
The conflict in Sudan escalated from tensions between the RSF and the Sudanese army, leading to widespread violence and humanitarian crises. Since the war began, tens of thousands have been killed, and over 14 million people have been displaced, creating what has been described as the world's largest humanitarian crisis. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification recently warned that severe acute malnutrition cases are projected to rise to 800,000, reflecting the dire conditions faced by displaced populations.
Criticism and Calls for Ceasefire
Aid organizations have struggled to meet the growing needs of those affected by the conflict. Zia Salik, interim U.K. director of Islamic Relief, emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire to facilitate aid delivery to remote areas in Darfur and Kordofan, another region impacted by the war. The RSF's actions have drawn international scrutiny, particularly following a United Nations investigation that found the group had committed acts of genocide against non-Arab ethnic groups.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the Sudan Doctors Network reported 28 fatalities, other sources have not provided a comprehensive count of casualties or detailed accounts of the attack's aftermath. There is also a lack of immediate responses from the RSF regarding the motives behind the assault on Misteriha.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The main thing that needs to happen is, of course, a ceasefire,” — Zia Salik, Interim U.K. Director, Islamic Relief
- “The attack was marked by atrocities that UN-backed experts said bore “the hallmarks of genocide”.” — UN-backed experts on RSF actions
The situation in Sudan remains fluid, with ongoing violence and humanitarian needs escalating as the conflict continues to unfold.
