EL FASHER – The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and allied Joint Forces successfully repelled a large-scale assault launched by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on Wednesday, July 16,2025, in the besieged city of El Fasher, North Darfur. The attack, which originated from the southern and western fronts of the city, marks a renewed wave of violence in a battle that has seen continuous flare-ups.
The RSF attack lasted over three hours, according to eyewitnesses and field sources familiar with the fighting. Residents reported intense exchange of gunfire and artillery, with heavy movement of military vehicles belonging to both the SAF and its Joint Forces allies. Despite the intensity of the attack, no territorial gains were reported by RSF units.
This latest escalation follows a deadly artillery strike a day earlier on Abu Shouk Camp (IDPs camp) market in El Fasher, where four civilians were killed on Tuesday, July 15. Eyewitnesses, including market vendors, confirmed that multiple shells struck the heart of the market during peak trading hours, causing panic and destruction.
Local observers noted that the RSF concentrated its attack from the southern axis, which has seen increased activity in recent weeks. The assault appeared to be part of a broader strategy to break the army’s hold in the city, which has remained under siege for several months.
The UN’s top humanitarian official had recently revealed ongoing diplomatic efforts amid at securing a ceasefire in El Fasher to allow aid access and prevent further civilian casualties. However, these initiatives appear to have stalled, as hostilities continue to escalate on the ground.
Earlier this week, the United Nations expressed serious concern over the buildup of RSF forces in and around El Fasher, marking their largest mobilization in the area in over a year. The UN warned that this could signal a dangerous intensification of the conflict in North Darfur.
Residents of El Fasher remain trapped under suffocating blockade imposed by the RSF. Basic necessities including food, water, and medical supplies are in dangerously short supply. While RSF forces have called on civilians to evacuate the city for their safety, most residents are unable to flee due to insecurity, lack of transport, and fears of being caught in crossfire.
This is not the first time RSF has attempted to push deeper into El Fasher. Last week, the group claimed to have seized control of key areas including the Central Reserve Forces base and the livestock market, thought the SAF later confirmed it had retaken those positions within hours.
The pattern of back-and-forth fighting, civilian death, and repeated RSF attacks continues to compound the humanitarian crisis in El Fasher. with no clear resolution in sight, civilians remain at the heart of a deadly standoff between two heavily armed rivals.
