Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces Kill Nearly 300 in North Kordofan Raids

In a devastating escalation of violence, Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have reportedly killed nearly 300 individuals during a series of attacks on villages in North Kordofan state, according to human rights activists. These assaults, which commenced on July 13, 2025, have drawn widespread condemnation from international organizations and have been described as a continuation of the civil war that has ravaged Sudan since April 2023.

The Emergency Lawyers, a Sudanese human rights group, documented the killings, claiming that the RSF targeted villages devoid of any military presence. In the village of Shag Alnom alone, over 200 people were brutally killed, primarily through arson and gunfire. Additional reports indicate that 38 civilians were killed in looting raids across other villages, while dozens remain unaccounted for. Further violence occurred in the village of Hilat Hamid, where 46 individuals, including pregnant women and children, lost their lives, forcing more than 3,400 residents to flee their homes, as reported by the United Nations.

According to the Emergency Lawyers, the deliberate targeting of these villages constitutes a grave violation of international humanitarian law. "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," stated a representative from the organization. This statement underscores the gravity of the situation, implicating RSF leadership in what has been characterized by numerous sources as systematic war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The RSF has been embroiled in conflict with the Sudanese army over control of strategic areas, including North Kordofan, which serves as a critical frontline in the ongoing civil war. Reports suggest that while the army retains control over central and eastern Sudan, the RSF is consolidating its grip on western regions, leading to an increase in violence against civilians.

The international community has responded with outrage, with the United States and various human rights organizations accusing the RSF of engaging in acts that amount to genocide. As the humanitarian crisis deepens, with over half the Sudanese population facing severe food shortages and widespread disease outbreaks, the situation remains dire. A recent report from the World Health Organization highlighted that the violence has also negatively impacted healthcare access, with attacks on hospitals resulting in numerous civilian casualties.

In light of the escalating violence and humanitarian disaster, the RSF leadership has pledged to hold accountable those responsible for the atrocities. However, skepticism remains among both local and international observers regarding the sincerity of these assurances. The ongoing conflict continues to drive the world's largest humanitarian crisis, prompting calls for urgent international intervention and increased aid to support the millions affected by the violence and instability.

Moving forward, experts suggest that without a comprehensive peace plan and accountability for war crimes, the cycle of violence in Sudan is likely to persist. The urgent need for a unified response from the international community is critical to address not only the immediate humanitarian needs but also the underlying political issues that fuel the conflict. As Sudan grapples with these challenges, the fate of its civilian population hangs in the balance, demanding immediate attention and action from global leaders and institutions.