Nearly 300 civilians have been killed in attacks by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on villages in North Kordofan, in one of the deadliest incidents since the country’s civil war began in April 2023.

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Paramilitary units of the RSF launched coordinated assaults over the weekend on multiple villages near the city of Bara, North Kordofan, an area currently under RSF control. The attacks resulted in widespread civilian casualties, according to Sudanese human rights groups.

The Emergency Lawyers group reported that on Saturday, RSF fighters attacked several villages around Bara. In Shag Alnom, more than 200 civilians were killed by gunfire or arson. Raids on additional villages left 38 more people dead, while dozens remain missing.

The following day, the RSF attacked the village of Hilat Hamid, killing 46 people, including pregnant women and children, the group said.

“It has been proven that these targeted villages were completely empty of any military objectives, which makes clear the criminal nature of these crimes carried out in complete disregard of international humanitarian law,” Emergency Lawyers stated, placing responsibility with the RSF leadership.

The United Nations confirmed that more than 3,400 people were displaced as a result of the attacks.

Since the outbreak of war in April 2023, Sudan has been divided between areas controlled by the army and those held by the RSF. The army has retained control over central and eastern regions, while the RSF is consolidating its hold over western areas, including North Kordofan.

The United States and international human rights organizations have accused the RSF of committing war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. Fighters under RSF command have been implicated in widespread looting and violence against civilians in areas under their control.

RSF leadership has pledged to hold those responsible for such acts accountable, stating that they “will be brought to justice.”

The ongoing conflict has triggered the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, with over half of Sudan’s population facing acute food insecurity. Outbreaks of cholera and other diseases continue to spread amid the collapse of health infrastructure. A global decline in aid funding has further constrained the humanitarian response.

With violence escalating and displacement growing, international observers stress the urgent need for accountability and increased humanitarian support to address the worsening crisis in Sudan.

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