US Warns of Imminent Offensive on El-Fasher, Sudan's Humanitarian Hub, Amid Civil War
The US has issued a warning about an impending rebel military attack on El-Fasher, a humanitarian hub and the last Darfur state capital not under the control of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan.
The city, which has been hosting a large number of refugees, has seen bombardments and clashes since mid-April, despite a year of fighting between the Sudanese armed forces and the RSF.
Millions have been displaced in the northeastern African country due to the conflict.
The US is urging all armed forces in Sudan to stop attacks in El-Fasher due to imminent offensive threats from the Rapid Support Forces and affiliated militias.
Indiscriminate shelling and airstrikes in the city have resulted in at least 25 civilian deaths and displaced 36,000 people, according to reports.
The State Department is alarmed by the potential danger to civilians if an offensive against El-Fasher city occurs.
The text warns of the potential catastrophic consequences of the breakdown of peace in El-Fasher, the main humanitarian hub in Darfur, Sudan.
With around a quarter of Sudan's population residing in this region, the city is of significant importance.
The UN and US have expressed concern over reports of villages being destroyed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and affiliated militias, and condemned indiscriminate aerial bombardments by Sudan's armed forces in the area.