RSF claims advances in El Fasher as shelling kills displaced persons

September 1, 2025 (EL FASHER) – The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) said on Monday they had seized new ground in El Fasher, the army’s last stronghold in the Darfur region, as local sources reported deadly artillery shelling on a camp for displaced people.

In a statement on its Telegram channel, the paramilitary group reported advances in several districts of the North Darfur capital. A spokesperson, in a video message, said RSF fighters had captured the Dimsilk and Ziyadia neighbourhoods and the central Mellit bus station.

The spokesperson added that the RSF had seized military equipment from the Sudanese army and allied armed movements.

The emergency room for the Abu Shouk camp for the displaced said artillery shelling by the RSF on Monday killed four people and wounded three. It said two barrages of heavy artillery hit the city centre and the camp during the day.

El Fasher, the last of Darfur’s five state capitals not under RSF control, has been besieged by the group since May 2024, worsening an already severe humanitarian crisis.

The RSF, which has held the other four Darfur capitals since late 2023, has recently stepped up its offensive on El Fasher as it seeks to consolidate its control over the vast western region.