Sudan Paramilitary RSF Claims Capture Last Major Darfur City El-Fasher

Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) claim to have captured El-Fasher, the last major city in western Darfur still held by the Sudanese army and allied forces, marking a potential turning point in the ongoing conflict. The RSF reportedly seized the army headquarters and have intensified artillery and drone attacks on the city, which has been under siege for over 18 months, resulting in severe starvation and humanitarian crises for the remaining 250,000 civilians. Local pro-army fighters deny the full fall of the city, accusing the RSF of disinformation and continuing resistance within El-Fasher. The RSF's control of El-Fasher would consolidate their control over all major urban centers in Darfur, enabling them to solidify a parallel administration in the region and hasten a de facto split of Sudan. However, fears of violent retribution and ethnic attacks loom, following previous massacres in Darfur like the El Geneina slaughter where thousands were killed after RSF capture. Reports also indicate abuses during civilian evacuations, including robberies, sexual assaults, and killings by RSF soldiers, exacerbating concerns about the humanitarian situation and security for civilians.