Full Breakdown
RSF Buildup Around El Obeid Triggers Global Alarm of Imminent Mass Atrocities
6/25/2026, 5:24:01 AM
Escalating RSF Encirclement of El Obeid
The RSF and allied forces have surrounded El Obeid, home to 560 000 people, since early June 2026. Positions to the south, west and north and recent drone strikes revive fears of a repeat of the October 2025 El Fasher assault.
Background and Context
Sudan’s civil war began in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF. The RSF’s October 2025 capture of El Fasher killed over 6 000 civilians and was labeled by the UN as bearing “hallmarks of genocide.” The conflict has displaced over 14 million people and created the largest hunger emergency.
Data, Statistics and Impact
El Obeid houses about 563 000 residents and 105 000 internally displaced persons. The UN Human Rights Council warns up to 500 000 civilians could be at risk if the RSF attacks. Drone strikes in ten days killed 23 civilians and injured 19; 2025 saw 2 670 deaths, a 600 % rise. The city sits on a highway linking Darfur to Khartoum and an oil pipeline to Port Sudan; its loss would cut humanitarian corridors for millions.
Official Statements and Responses
The U.S. State Department warned of “alarming indications that mass atrocities could be imminent” and urged the RSF to stop endangering civilians; the UN Security Council called for a halt to RSF assault, citing an “imminent risk of mass atrocities.” The UN Secretary-General and the United Kingdom issued statements demanding respect for humanitarian law. Refugees International blamed the United Arab Emirates for supplying drones to the RSF, calling for sanctions on UAE officials and a halt to U.S. arms sales.
Criticism and Opposition
Refugees International highlighted the United Arab Emirates as the primary backer of the RSF’s drone capability and urged sanctions on UAE officials and an end to arms transfers. A coalition of 29 countries and the Coalition for Preventing Atrocity Crimes called for external actors to cease fueling the conflict and to enforce the Jeddah Declaration’s humanitarian obligations.
On-the-Ground Reports
Taghreed al-Rashid said, “We’re committed to staying in the city because displacement is a bigger struggle.” Hassan Ahmed said El Obeid is “besieged – surrounded by RSF positions and from the air by its drones.” Health workers reported outages forcing hospitals to operate and drone strikes on markets.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
Population estimates differ: 563 000 vs 580 000. Civilian risk figures range from 500 000 to over 500 000. Casualty counts vary, with one source citing 50 deaths in ten days and another reporting 23 deaths in recent strikes. The RSF has not commented, leaving its intentions unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There are alarming indications that mass atrocities could be imminent, further worsening Sudan’s already catastrophic humanitarian crisis,” — Thomas Pigott, State Dept. spokesperson
- “ Washington insists that there is no military solution to this conflict.” — Thomas Pigott, State Dept. spokesperson
- “We must not allow the horrors of El Fasher to be repeated in El Obeid,” — António Guterres, UN Secretary-General
- “We’re committed to staying in the city despite our ongoing hardships because forced displacement is a bigger struggle,” — Taghreed al-Rashid, resident
What’s Next
The UN Security Council will monitor RSF movements and consider resolutions. The United States is pursuing diplomatic outreach with RSF leaders and regional partners to secure a humanitarian truce. European states plan to press the United Arab Emirates for an arms halt while humanitarian agencies await safe corridors before the rainy season intensifies.
