Satellite images show 150 sites consistent with mass graves in Sudan’s El Fasher

December 16, 2025 (KHARTOUM) – Satellite images captured after Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) seized El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state, show 150 clusters of objects consistent with human remains, researchers at Yale University said on Tuesday, adding to mounting evidence of mass killings in the city.

The images, analyzed by Yale’s Humanitarian Research Lab (HRL), cover the period from October 26, the day the RSF captured El Fasher, to November 28. The lab stated it observed “systematic efforts to manage and dispose of human remains” at the sites, including burning, burial, and removal.

Sudan Tribune could not independently verify the findings. The RSF did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The paramilitary group has repeatedly denied targeting civilians since the war with the Sudanese army erupted in April 2023.

The United Nations and international rights groups have accused the RSF and allied militias of widespread atrocities in Darfur during the conflict.

Evidence of disposal and scale of deaths

20 of the 150 sites analyzed showed evidence of objects being burned. The HRL also identified eight large earth-disturbance sites consistent with mass graves, seven of which were located inside the Daraja Oula neighbourhood.

57 of the 150 clusters disappeared completely within 4 weeks, which Yale said indicated a cleanup operation.

While the lab did not provide a death toll, it estimated the number of objects consistent with human remains was “likely in the tens of thousands.” The International Organization for Migration reported 106,000 people were displaced from El Fasher after October 26. In contrast, Darfur’s governor has claimed 27,000 people were killed.

Patterns of violence and detention sites

Researchers geolocated video footage posted by RSF fighters, showing the execution of ten detainees at a berm north of the city on October 31. This location and the orientation of a body pile visible in satellite imagery from the same day were matched.

The HRL identified four recurring patterns of violence: the killing of people fleeing; house-to-house shootings and field executions, notably in the Daraja Oula neighbourhood where civilians had sought shelter; deaths at possible detention or screening sites; and combat-related fatalities inside military facilities.

The single largest concentration of clusters—52—was recorded in Daraja Oula, the final area to fall as residents fled the RSF advance.

Five clusters were found inside the El Fasher University compound, two at the former Children’s Hospital, and four at Saudi Hospital. Witnesses have previously cited all three locations as detention points.

Light military vehicles and cargo trucks were observed adjacent to 31 clusters, the report added.

Absence of civilian activity

Satellite imagery after October 27 suggested the urban population was either killed or forcibly removed, showing vegetation over-growing city markets, empty water points, and no evidence of civilian transport or cemetery activity.

The lab said the report was shared with the International Criminal Court, the United Nations, and other investigative bodies.