Sudanese doctor describes escape from Darfur city under rebel bombardment

U.N. and ICC officials reported mass killings and possible crimes against humanity in el-Fasher; humanitarian teams later found the city largely deserted. Undetermined at this time.

A Sudanese physician told The Associated Press he fled el-Fasher as fighting reached the city and the last functioning hospital was overwhelmed. The account comes as U.N. officials and International Criminal Court representatives described widespread civilian losses and serious allegations tied to the assault. Humanitarian teams that later accessed the city reported it was largely emptied of residents. The wider conflict in Darfur has involved prolonged clashes between the Rapid Support Forces and other forces since 2021. Key facts: - U.N. officials reported thousands of civilians were killed during the assault and said only about 40% of el-Fasher’s population managed to flee the onslaught. - Nazhat Shameem Khan, deputy prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, told the U.N. Security Council that war crimes and crimes against humanity were reported in el-Fasher. - Humanitarian teams visiting in late December and aid groups described the city as largely deserted when they gained access. - A doctor who left the city recounted fleeing the last functioning hospital, temporary capture by fighters, and later reaching safety in nearby Tawila. Summary: Officials say the attack on el-Fasher caused large civilian losses and has prompted allegations of serious crimes, and humanitarian teams found the city mostly abandoned. First-person accounts describe chaotic escapes and brief captivity for some who fled. Undetermined at this time.