Satellite images show a significant earthen barrier being erected around el-Fasher, a city dealing with heightened conflict and humanitarian crises. Yale University's Humanitarian Research Lab has uncovered over 31 kilometers of berms constructed in the area since May, likely to trap the civilian population as tensions escalate between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
El-Fasher, the last major holdout for Sudan's army in Darfur, has faced continual bombardment, and the RSF's intensified offensive has raised alarms. Reports indicate deliberate targeting of civilian areas, resulting in numerous casualties. Dr. Mohamed Faisal Hassan, from the Sudan Doctors Network, reported a recent attack in the city center that claimed the lives of 24 civilians and injured many more.
Yale's research indicates that the RSF is fortifying its position, creating what has been described as a 'kill box,' deepening the siege conditions for approximately 300,000 residents. Humanitarian access has been cut off for months, leaving civilians in dire need of essential resources.
As the RSF continues its assault, many civilians are desperate to flee but face grave dangers from the escalating violence. Affected residents are experiencing unprecedented hardships, and calls for international intervention are growing.