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U.S. warns of possible atrocities if Rapid Support Forces assault el-Obeid
The U.S. State Department on Monday expressed concern over reports that the Rapid Support Forces are encircling el-Obeid in Sudan. It warned that an assault could lead to imminent mass atrocities and called for a negotiated end to the conflict.
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The U.S. State Department on Monday warned that the Rapid Support Forces and allied forces are massing around el-Obeid and that an assault on the city could trigger mass atrocities. Al Jazeera reported that the department said there are alarming indications mass atrocities could be imminent and that further escalation would have a devastating impact on civilians.
The statement called on the RSF and allied forces to cease actions that endanger civilians or impede humanitarian assistance. The UN Human Rights Council stated over the weekend that 500,000 civilians in el-Obeid face risk of atrocities in the event of an RSF assault. It added that 50 civilians have been killed in drone strikes over the past 10 days in el-Obeid and North Kordofan.
The RSF has battled Sudan’s army since April 2023. Al Jazeera reported the conflict has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions from their homes. The State Department reiterated calls for a negotiated settlement and urged all parties to uphold obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians and allow safe humanitarian access.
