Kathmandu— Sudanese armed forces discovered a mass grave containing at least 25 bodies in the town of Kurmuk, Blue Nile State, after regaining control of the area from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) following weeks of intense fighting. Local officials accuse the RSF of carrying out the killings, which included women, children, and hospital staff, near Jebel Fankat, a strategic hilltop position previously used by the group. The discovery comes amidst ongoing clashes between the army and the RSF across Sudan, contributing to widespread displacement and a growing humanitarian crisis.

Discovery in Kurmuk

The mass grave was found during sweeping operations in the northeastern part of Kurmuk, according to commissioner Abdel Aty Mohamed al-Faki. The victims were reportedly executed near Jebel Fankat, which the RSF had utilized as a launchpad for drone attacks during their assault on the town. Al Jazeera’s Almigdad al-Ruhaid described the discovery as “significant and disturbing,” noting that local authorities directly accuse the Rapid Support Forces of the executions.

Escalating Conflict and Accusations

The RSF has been engaged in conflict with the Sudanese army since April 2023, and has faced previous accusations of mass killings in Khartoum, el-Fasher, and Gezeira state. Despite the army regaining control of Kurmuk, fighting continues in Blue Nile State, with the RSF reportedly launching explosive drone attacks for a second consecutive day. Al-Ruhaid noted that while control between the two sides may be shifting, conflict persists and is driving mass displacement.

Wider Humanitarian Crisis

The ongoing conflict has had a devastating impact on Sudan, with an estimated 40,000 people killed and more than 14 million forced to flee their homes. Intense fighting also continues in West Darfur, where Sudanese armed forces have reportedly repelled RSF attacks near Bir Saliba, approximately 40km from el-Geneina.

Fighting between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces remains ongoing across multiple regions of Sudan, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.