Massacres in Sudan's El-Fasher Over Three Days Result in Thousands Dead
In an unprecedented wave of violence, over 6,000 individuals lost their lives in Sudan's Darfur region in a three-day span. The carnage was inflicted by a Sudanese paramilitary group that launched an intense offensive in the city of El-Fasher.
The extent and brutality of the violence were shocking. The actions of the group included widespread atrocities that could be classified as war crimes, and possibly even crimes against humanity.
Relentless Attack on El-Fasher by Paramilitary Group
The paramilitary group, along with their affiliated Arab militias, initiated their final strike on El-Fasher, resulting in relentless violence. This onslaught came after a prolonged siege of over 18 months. El-Fasher was the last remaining stronghold of the Sudanese army in Darfur, and its fall marked a significant victory for the paramilitary forces.
The atrocities committed during this time were numerous and horrific. Mass killings, summary executions, sexual violence, abductions, and torture were rampant, with many attacks being motivated by ethnicity.
The leader of the paramilitary forces has previously admitted to some offenses committed by his troops, but disputes the scale of the atrocities.
A Horror Scene Unfolds
The provincial capital of North Darfur, El-Fasher, was subjected to unspeakable brutality. The violence mirrored the paramilitary group's pattern of conduct in their war against the Sudanese military, which began with a power struggle that erupted into open fighting across the country.
This conflict has resulted in the largest humanitarian crisis worldwide, plunging parts of the country into famine and leading to horrific atrocities. These actions are being investigated as potential war crimes and crimes against humanity.
During the three-day attack on El-Fasher, it is estimated that at least 4,400 people were killed within the city. More than 1,600 others were killed while attempting to flee the chaos. These numbers were compiled from interviews with victims and witnesses, and are supported by satellite imagery and video footage.
Mass Killings at University and Hospital
Among the horrifying incidents, one stands out: the massacre at El-Fasher university. Around 500 people, who had sought shelter in the university's dormitory, were killed when the paramilitary forces opened fire on them. Witnesses described the scene as something straight out of a horror movie.
In another chilling incident, approximately 600 individuals, including 50 children, were executed while seeking refuge in the university facilities. The actual death toll from these attacks is believed to be much higher than reported.
A maternity hospital was also targeted, with at least 460 people killed when the paramilitary forces stormed the building. Additionally, around 300 people were killed in shelling and drone attacks at a camp for displaced people near El-Fasher.
Widespread Sexual Violence and Abductions
Sexual violence was a common aspect of the El-Fasher offensive, with women and girls from non-Arab tribes being targeted. Many survivors shared testimonies of rape and gang rape, indicating a systematic use of sexual violence as a weapon of war.
The paramilitary forces also abducted numerous individuals attempting to flee the city, often releasing them only after a ransom was paid. Many people were held in detention centers run by the paramilitary forces in El-Fasher, including a children's hospital that was converted into a detention facility. Thousands of people remain missing and unaccounted for.