El Fasher Events and Mass Executions (October 2025)

The El-Fasher Events and Mass Executions are widespread acts of violence and mass killings that occurred following the capture of El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state in western Türkiye, by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on 26 October 2025. It has been reported that thousands of civilians were killed, tens of thousands were forced to flee the city, and approximately one hundred thousand people remain trapped. These developments have been described as one of the phases of the ongoing Sudan Civil War since April 2023 to have caused the largest civilian casualties to date.

Course of Events

The events in El-Fasher began on 26 October 2025, when the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) seized control of the city. After a 17-month siege, RSF attacks intensified, and following the withdrawal of the Sudanese army, the city came entirely under RSF control. Abdulfettah al-Burhan, Chairman of the Sudanese Transitional Sovereignty Council, stated that the army withdrew from El-Fasher “to prevent systematic killings of civilians.”

Following the fall of the city, the Sudanese government and local resistance groups reported executions targeting civilians, home raids, mass killings, and attacks on healthcare facilities. The Sudanese Doctors’ Syndicate announced that 2,000 civilians were killed in the first hours after the RSF entered El-Fasher and that 177,000 people remained trapped in the city. The same source stated that “the RSF carried out an ethnically targeted attack on 28 October, deliberately targeting unarmed civilians,” and that the death toll ran into the thousands.

The Sudanese Ministry of Health reported that the RSF carried out “extrajudicial executions” and “arbitrary detentions” against civilians in the city, emphasizing that hospitals and medical centers had been directly targeted.

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced that 460 people were killed in the Saudi Hospital and stressed that attacks on healthcare facilities violate international humanitarian law.

Footage published by Sky News and Al Jazeera confirmed that RSF fighters opened fire on civilians attempting to flee, shot unarmed individuals inside hospitals, and that videos of executions across the city were shared on social media.

In statements issued between 28 and 30 October, the Sudanese government reported that at least 2,000 civilians were killed in RSF attacks, with many others missing. According to witnesses, vehicles carrying fleeing civilians were set on fire, and some perished in the desert due to dehydration. The El-Fasher Resistance Committee reported that the RSF targeted volunteers and Red Crescent personnel in mosques.

Available data indicate that mass executions occurred between 25 and 28 October 2025 around the Saudi Hospital, the University campus, and the Ministry of Interior building; healthcare workers were abducted and ransom demands were recorded.

During this period, thousands of people fled the city toward Tavila, Kutum, and Kabkabiya. According to reports by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), more than 7,400 people left El-Fasher on 27–28 October alone.

Satellite Imagery and Confirmation of Mass Executions

The Humanitarian Research Lab (HRL) at Yale University’s School of Public Health, in its 28 October 2025 report titled “Day Two of RSF Control: Mass Killings Continue in El-Fasher,” confirmed that mass killings continued in the 48 hours following the RSF’s capture of the city. The report presented satellite image-based analyses of the Saudi Hospital, the Former Children’s Hospital, and the area surrounding a “berm,” a term used to describe earthen walls.

Image from the report titled “Day Two of RSF Control: Mass Killings Continue in El-Fasher” – (Yale University)

Satellite imagery indicates that the former Children’s Hospital, located east of El-Fasher and out of service for over a year, has come under the control of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Images dated 27 October show dark-colored objects arranged in rows extending to the hospital entrance. On 28 October, larger objects of the same color were observed accumulating in the same area. HRL experts stated that these findings suggest a large number of people were present at the facility on 27 October and may have been killed the following day. On the 28 October imagery, numerous clusters of white objects were visible in the southeast corner and surrounding area of the facility.

Similar findings were identified in the analysis of the Saudi Hospital. Satellite images revealed three distinct clusters of white objects and vehicles aligned along the southern wall of the hospital compound. The report notes that the objects measure between 1.1 and 1.9 meters in length and some exhibit reddish soil stains around them. Two separate clusters of white objects were also observed on the western side of the hospital building, approximately 75 meters from the wall; one of these contained two objects measuring 1.7 and 1.5 meters in length, shaped like a C or J. HRL experts assessed that these shapes correspond to human body dimensions and postures.

In addition, satellite imagery from 27–28 October along the berm line west of El-Fasher identified clusters of light-colored objects measuring between 1.3 and 2 meters in length. These objects, arranged in six distinct groups, were found near armed vehicles assessed to belong to the RSF and at least one “technician” vehicle armed with a heavy machine gun. The HRL report states that this area has been identified as a zone where civilians attempting to flee the city were targeted, and that the objects observed in the imagery correspond in size to human bodies.

The same report documents changes at the Red Crescent building between 27 and 28 October. Imagery from 28 October shows objects of varying colors and sizes on the southern portion of the building. Open-source reports indicate that armed individuals raided the Sudanese Red Crescent headquarters, forced medical staff into vehicles, and transported them to an unknown location.

Satellite imagery published by Sky News corroborates the findings of the Yale HRL, identifying “blood stains and shapes resembling human corpses.” HRL Director Nathaniel Raymond stated that the imagery captured over a 48-hour period showed “numerous new objects measuring 1.3 to 2 meters in length,” which correspond to human bodies. The same source also confirms World Health Organization (WHO) data indicating that 460 people were killed at the Saudi Hospital.

Violations Against Civilians and Humanitarian Conditions

The Sudan Doctors Syndicate reports that 177,000 civilians remain trapped in El-Fasher, with the death toll described in the thousands. According to the syndicate, 2,000 civilians were killed within the first hours after the Rapid Support Forces entered the city. The statement notes that “innocent people were burned alive, and those attempting to flee in their vehicles were set on fire inside them.”

Events in El-Fasher and Mass Executions – (Anadolu Agency)

The same statement reports that healthcare facilities in the city have been looted and targeted, with pharmacies and hospitals specifically attacked. It is reported that “more than 450 patients and wounded individuals were executed at the Saudi Hospital in El-Fasher, and approximately 1,200 elderly, injured, and sick people were killed at field medical centers.” The syndicate also reports human rights violations including field executions, home raids, sexual violence, and the forced burial of victims.

The World Health Organization (WHO) confirms that since the conflict began in April 2023, 185 healthcare facilities in Sudan have been attacked, resulting in the deaths of 1,204 people. The Sudanese Ministry of Health has stated that the RSF committed “brutal crimes and humanitarian violations” in El-Fasher. The ministry reports that healthcare facilities were set on fire, patients and the wounded were deliberately targeted, and healthcare workers were abducted. The statement further notes that the city’s healthcare system has collapsed and medical aid cannot be delivered.

Abductions of healthcare workers during the events in El-Fasher have also been reported. The Sudan Doctors Network announced that six medical personnel – four doctors, one pharmacist, and one nurse – were abducted by the RSF, with a ransom demand of 100 million Sudanese pounds per person for their release. The network emphasized that targeting doctors violates international humanitarian law and human rights.

National and International Reactions

Sudanese Government and Military

The Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has characterized the attacks carried out by the Rapid Support Forces in El-Fasher as “horrific terrorist crimes.” The ministry stated that “ethnic-based systematic terrorist acts” have been carried out against unarmed civilians, women, children, and the elderly. The statement adds that “the perpetrators filmed their actions and publicly displayed them, refusing to conceal their crimes.” The Sudanese government has asserted that the international community’s silence has contributed to the escalation of these events and emphasized that “the silence of certain countries for political interests has deepened the crisis.”

The Sudanese Ministry of Health characterized developments in El Fasher as “mass killings targeting civilians” and confirmed that attacks on healthcare workers hospitals and patients continue to be documented. Prime Minister Kamil Idris, in a statement to Sudanese state television, described the events in El Fasher as “war crimes constituting genocide and ethnic cleansing”. Additionally the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) regional organizations and influential countries have called for “rapid and decisive steps” to protect civilians.

HDK leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo in a video message posted on social media stated that he had witnessed “violations in Fasher” and announced the establishment of a “investigative committee” to examine these incidents. Dagalo affirmed that civilians are permitted to move freely within the city the process of releasing those detained is under review and that forces will be withdrawn from the city.

United Nations and International Organizations

In a statement dated 29 October 2025 the United Nations Security Council condemned the HDK for actions such as “extrajudicial executions and arbitrary detentions” against civilians in El Fasher. The statement emphasized that “large-scale atrocities have been reported particularly in the form of ethnically targeted attacks”. The UN reminded all parties of their obligation under international humanitarian law to protect civilians.

UN Assistant Secretary-General for Africa Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee informed the Security Council that the conflict in Sudan has “further deteriorated” with new areas being targeted by unmanned aerial vehicles and the war spreading across the country. Pobee stated that “there is no safe place left in northern Darfur”.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared it was “deeply shocked and horrified” after 460 patients and accompanying persons were killed in the Saudi Hospital in El Fasher and affirmed that the protection of healthcare personnel is mandatory under international law. WHO reported that since the start of the war 185 healthcare facilities across Sudan have been attacked resulting in the deaths of 1 204 people.

Regional and International Reactions

The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs “strongly condemned” attacks on civilians in El Fasher and called for the safe delivery of humanitarian aid. The statement emphasized that “attacks on civilians must be immediately halted and those responsible must be held accountable”.

Saudi Arabia Egypt Qatar Jordan and Turkey in regional statements condemned the HDK’s actions. Saudi Arabia expressed “deep concern over human rights violations” while Egypt called for an “urgent humanitarian ceasefire”. Qatar and Jordan also stressed the need to protect civilians.

European Union High Representative for Foreign Policy Kaja Kallas and EU Commissioner Hadja Lahbib in their joint statement on 29 October 2025 stated that the ethnically targeted attacks in El Fasher “reveal the brutality of the RSF” and called for an immediate ceasefire and protection of civilians. The foreign ministries of France Lithuania and Denmark condemned the RSF for “extrajudicial executions and attacks on civilians” and emphasized the need to open humanitarian corridors.

Parallel to these statements the United Nations and European countries have called for investigations into the crimes committed in El Fasher and for perpetrators to be held accountable. The European Union stated that the international community must activate the necessary mechanisms under the frameworks of “war crimes and crimes against humanity”.

Humanitarian Crisis

Developments in El Fasher after 26 October 2025 have severely worsened the humanitarian situation in the city. Due to a 17-month-long siege basic services have completely collapsed with food water electricity and medicine supplies cut off.

The United Nations (UN) and its affiliated humanitarian agencies reported that humanitarian operations in El Fasher have been entirely suspended. UN officials stated that the security situation has rendered aid operations impossible and that safe corridors for civilian evacuation have not been established.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that after the attack on the Saudi Hospital medical assistance could no longer reach the area and the city’s healthcare infrastructure has completely collapsed. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that “all attacks on healthcare facilities must cease immediately”.

The Sudan Doctors Syndicate announced that a “complete humanitarian collapse” has occurred in the city. Healthcare facilities pharmacies and aid centers have been looted and essential medical equipment rendered unusable. The syndicate reported that “thousands of people mostly elderly injured and sick have been killed in makeshift camps”.

Current Situation in the Region

As of 31 October El Fasher is entirely under the control of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The European Commission stated that “diplomatic efforts are ongoing to restore humanitarian access and protect civilians in El Fasher”. UN Security Council members expressed consensus during their meeting on 30 October 2025 on the need for a thorough investigation into the events in El Fasher and for international observers to gain access to the ground. UN officials warned that following developments in El Fasher fighting may intensify in other regions including South Kordofan Blue Nile and West Darfur. Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee noted that “the scope of the war is expanding regionally” and that new areas are becoming targets of unmanned aerial vehicle attacks.

Displacement and Migration Wave

Following the Rapid Support Forces’ (RSF) capture of El Fasher on 26 October 2025 mass displacement movements began. The United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that more than 62 000 people were displaced from El Fasher and surrounding villages between 26 and 29 October. It was reported that on 29 October alone 26 080 people left the city bringing the total number of people who departed from El Fasher and its surroundings over the four-day period to 62 263.

United Nations Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, in a press statement on 2 November 2025, reported that humanitarian access to El Fasher had been cut off and that civilians had fled to nearby towns in search of safety. Dujarric stated that according to local sources, reports had been received indicating that civilians on the move had been abducted and their belongings looted. The same statement called for the protection of those fleeing El Fasher and the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid.

On 3 November 2025, Anadolu Agency and local sources reported that approximately 62,000 people had fled El Fasher toward Kurma, Tawila and Garni, with thousands stranded along the way. It was reported that hundreds of civilians had traveled more than 1,200 kilometers to reach the town of El Dabbah in North Sudan.

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) issued a statement indicating that the situation in El Fasher had worsened. The statement called on the Rapid Support Forces and allied armed groups to allow civilians to leave the city and to ensure safe passage. Michel Olivier Lacharite, MSF’s Head of Emergency Operations, stated that international actors must “apply pressure to stop the bloodshed in El Fasher.”

The United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM) announced on 3 November that the number of displaced people had exceeded 70,000. UN field teams reported that the majority of those displaced were women, children and elderly individuals, with some groups reported missing along the routes.

It was noted that some of those who sought refuge in El Dabbah in North Sudan had previously been displaced multiple times, and some planned to move to camps outside the city. UN sources indicated that the displacement northward from El Fasher was occurring in an unorganized manner, with thousands of civilians still stranded on the roads.

Confirmation of Famine and Hunger Crisis

On 3 November 2025, the United Nations-supported Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) system announced that famine had officially begun in the city of El Fasher in North Darfur and in the town of Kadugli in South Kordofan. The report stated that both regions had been classified under “Famine (Phase 5)” and that these conditions were expected to persist until at least January 2026.

According to the IPC analysis, the famine conditions in El Fasher and Kadugli had been “confirmed with reasonable evidence,” with food security having completely collapsed in these areas. The report noted that the situation in the town of Dilling in South Kordofan was similar but could not be classified due to data gaps. The same assessment indicated that 20 settlements across Darfur and Kordofan were at risk of famine.

As of September 2025, 21.2 million people—45 percent of Sudan’s population—were experiencing acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or higher), with 375,000 of them in “famine (Phase 5)” and 6.3 million in “emergency (Phase 4).” According to IPC data, the number of people facing acute hunger was projected to drop to 19.2 million between October 2025 and January 2026; however, ongoing conflict in Darfur and Western Nuba was reported to have undermined potential harvest gains.

The report identified ongoing conflict, displacement, lack of access to health services and obstruction of aid convoys as the main drivers of the famine. After the Rapid Support Forces seized control of El Fasher on 26 October, widespread killings and looting targeting civilians were reported by international organizations, leading to a total collapse of food security. The same report emphasized that the famine was not confined to El Fasher and Kadugli, with nearly 20 areas across Greater Darfur and Greater Kordofan under “critical hunger risk.”

According to data from the UN-supported system, as of September 2025, 375,000 people in famine-affected areas had crossed the threshold of starvation, while 6.3 million across the country faced extreme hunger. The siege and attacks on El Fasher had halted agricultural activity and completely severed transportation and aid routes.

New Airstrikes in North Darfur and Kordofan

In the first days of November 2025, new attacks were carried out in North Darfur and North Kordofan using unmanned aerial vehicles affiliated with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The Sudan Doctors Network, in a statement on 4 November 2025, reported that an RSF drone had bombed a children’s hospital in the Kurnoy area of North Darfur. The statement indicated that seven civilians, including women and children, were killed and five others seriously injured in the attack.

The same statement described the targeting of the children’s hospital as “a continuation of the RSF’s attacks on civilians.” The organization stated that this attack represented another example in a chain of systematic violations against healthcare facilities and civilians, and called on the international community and medical institutions to initiate an investigation into the incident.

On the same days, it was reported that at least 40 civilians were killed in a drone strike carried out by the HDK in North Kordofan State. Local authorities stated that the attack targeted a mourning tent in the village of El-Luweib, east of the city of El-Obeid. In a statement to the Qatar-based Al Jazeera television network, the North Kordofan Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs confirmed that among the dead were women, children, and elderly people.

The North Kordofan State Government described the attack as “a new act added to the HDK’s repeated crimes against civilians” and issued a call to the international community. The statement alleged that the HDK has committed crimes against civilians “with ethnic and racial motives.” State officials reported that numerous civilians were injured in the aftermath of the attack and that extensive damage occurred in the village.