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Supported by EvidenceForeign Policy

At least 6,000 people were killed over three days during an RSF attack on Sudan's el-Fasher

Published February 16, 2026Updated February 16, 2026

Summary

A United Nations report documented that at least 6,000 people were killed during a three-day Rapid Support Forces (RSF) attack on el-Fasher, Sudan in February 2025. The attack represented one of the deadliest single incidents in Sudan's ongoing civil conflict that began in April 2023. Multiple UN agencies and humanitarian organizations confirmed the mass casualty event.

Primary Sources

United Nations report documenting at least 6,000 deaths during RSF attack on el-Fasher over three days in February 2025

News report citing UN findings of at least 6,000 killed in el-Fasher attack

UN humanitarian coordination agency reporting on violence and casualties in Darfur region

Evidence Supporting the Claim

  • UN report documented at least 6,000 deaths during a three-day RSF attack on el-Fasher in February 2025
  • El-Fasher is the capital of North Darfur state and had been a site of intense fighting between RSF and Sudanese Armed Forces
  • Multiple humanitarian organizations reported mass casualties consistent with UN figures during the February 2025 timeframe
  • The attack occurred during an escalation of RSF military operations in Darfur region

Evidence Against / Context

  • Exact death toll verification remains challenging due to limited humanitarian access to conflict zones in Sudan
  • Some casualty figures in active conflict zones are based on preliminary assessments subject to revision

Timeline

  • Armed conflict between Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces began in Sudan

  • RSF expanded military operations in Darfur region including areas around el-Fasher

  • RSF conducted three-day attack on el-Fasher resulting in at least 6,000 deaths according to UN report

  • United Nations released report documenting mass casualties from el-Fasher attack

What This Means

Structured interpretation — not opinion

  • Key takeaway 1

    The el-Fasher attack represents one of the deadliest single incidents in Sudan's civil war, which has resulted in widespread humanitarian crisis

  • Key takeaway 2

    The death toll indicates a mass casualty event involving civilian and military deaths during urban combat

  • Key takeaway 3

    UN documentation of the attack provides evidence for potential future accountability mechanisms regarding violations of international humanitarian law

  • Key takeaway 4

    The attack underscores the severity of violence in Darfur region, where RSF operations have been particularly intense

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