Sudan: 124 killed as Sudanese paramilitary group attacks village near capital, doctors and activists report

Sudan has witnessed a tragic escalation in violence, with at least 124 civilians killed during an attack by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on the village of Al-Sareeha, located south of the capital Khartoum. The horrifying incident, reported by local doctors and activists, marks one of the deadliest events in an ongoing civil war that began in April of the previous year. Both the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have been involved in intense conflict, resulting in severe civilian casualties. The attack came on a day of heightened tensions following the defection of an RSF commander in the region of Al-Jazirah, which has seen a recent surge in violence. Not only were many lives lost, but over 200 civilians were reportedly injured, with around 150 individuals detained by the RSF. Due to systemic communication breakdowns, the exact number of victims could be significantly higher than reported, as the RSF has restricted access to vital communication tools. Activists indicated that the confiscation of Starlink devices, which represent the only means of contact for residents, has severely hampered efforts to document the incident accurately. This brutal attack on civilians has contributed to a worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan, with over 30 villages in eastern Al-Jazirah now abandoned as residents flee attacks and violence. Organizations and networks monitoring the conflict have highlighted the urgent need for international support amid the ongoing turmoil.