At least 80 people were killed during a brutal attack on al-Seriha, a town in Sudan’s Gezira state, with estimates suggesting the death toll could be as high as 124. The massacre followed the defection of a senior Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commander, Abu Aqla Keikal, to the Sudanese military. This defection reportedly led to a series of retaliatory attacks on towns in Gezira state between October 20 and November 4, 2024.
BBC Verify conducted a detailed investigation, confirming that the perpetrators were likely RSF fighters. The investigation involved analyzing video footage, eyewitness testimony, and satellite imagery. In the videos, RSF fighters could be seen celebrating the massacre, with clear indications that the attack took place on October 25, 2024. Eyewitnesses reported that unarmed civilians were shot while trying to flee the town.
While the RSF has denied involvement, claiming they protect civilians, evidence such as the distinct RSF insignia on the attackers’ uniforms and video footage from the scene has led to the conclusion that the RSF was responsible. Survivors were later detained and reportedly forced to pay ransoms for their release.
The UN and human rights organizations have condemned the attacks, which are part of the ongoing conflict between Sudan’s military and the RSF. International calls have increased for an arms embargo, urging countries to cease supplying weapons to both sides to prevent further atrocities.
This event highlights the severe toll the conflict continues to take on Sudan’s civilian population, with widespread violence and displacement affecting millions.