Drone Strikes and Civil War Intensify in Sudan's Darfur, Killing Over 150
Recent drone strikes by a Sudanese paramilitary group on a mosque and other targets in El Fasher, Darfur, killed 153 people and injured 20, escalating the two-year civil war between the RSF and the army.
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Overview
- A drone strike on a mosque in Sudan's Darfur region and attacks in the besieged city of El Fasher killed 153 people and injured approximately 20 others.
- The Sudanese paramilitary group RSF conducted multiple drone strikes in El Fasher, causing casualties and intensifying clashes with the Sudanese army in the area.
- The RSF and the army have been locked in a ferocious civil war for over two years, with the conflict escalating significantly since April 2023, leading to thousands of deaths.
- Satellite images and a medic's report confirm RSF units have gained control over much of a camp for displaced people near El Fasher after a recent drone strike.
- El Fasher, the military's last stronghold in Darfur, has been a focal point of fighting for over a year and remains under siege by the Sudanese army.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover this story neutrally, presenting a factual account of the drone strike and the ongoing conflict in El Fasher. They attribute strong claims to specific organizations and analysts, and crucially, include the Rapid Support Forces' denial of accusations, demonstrating a commitment to balanced reporting without editorial bias.
"The RSF have previously denied such accusations, saying they had nothing to do with "tribal conflicts"."
BBC NewsArticles (4)
FAQ
The civil war began on April 15, 2023, when fighting erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) over disputes related to a framework agreement that called for reform of the military institution and the integration of armed groups including the RSF into the Sudanese army.
Initially, the RSF seized key locations including Sudan's capital Khartoum and much of Darfur in 2023. However, by early 2024, the Sudanese army began reclaiming key cities and by March 2025, it had secured most of Khartoum. The fighting remains intense in Darfur, particularly in El Fasher, which is the military's last stronghold there.
The fighting and drone strikes in Darfur have caused significant casualties, including at least 153 killed in recent attacks in El Fasher, and the ongoing siege and displacement worsen the humanitarian crisis. Both sides have been accused of impeding and looting aid deliveries, exacerbating malnutrition and famine risks in the region.
In early 2025, RSF leadership and allies met in Nairobi to plan a parallel government, signing a charter promoting secularism, democracy, decentralization, and a unified army. They have also signed a new constitution to gain diplomatic legitimacy, while Sudan has accused the UAE of complicity in genocide through arms support to the RSF.
El Fasher is a key battleground and the last stronghold of the Sudanese military in Darfur. It has been under siege by the Sudanese army for over a year, and has recently been targeted by RSF drone strikes that have caused heavy casualties and enabled the RSF to gain control of parts of a displaced persons camp near the city.
History
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