The United States has expressed concern over reports that Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied groups are encircling the city of El-Obeid, warning that a potential assault could lead to mass atrocities and deepen the country’s humanitarian crisis.
The US State Department said the RSF was massing forces around the North Kordofan state capital and called for a negotiated solution to the conflict.
The warning comes as international organizations and United Nations bodies report escalating threats to civilians and growing disruption of essential services in the region.
The State Department said there were alarming indications that mass atrocities could be imminent if fighting intensifies around El-Obeid.
It urged the RSF and allied forces to cease actions that could endanger civilians, obstruct humanitarian assistance, or contribute to further suffering.
The department also called on all belligerents to uphold international humanitarian law and ensure safe access for civilians seeking protection.
The UN Security Council expressed concern over what it described as the imminent risk of mass atrocities in the area.
According to the UN Human Rights Council, approximately 500,000 civilians in El-Obeid could face serious risks if the city comes under attack.
The UN has also warned that an assault on the city could draw parallels with the October 2025 attack on El-Fasher, which officials said bore hallmarks of genocide.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported multiple drone attacks in and around El-Obeid between Thursday and Sunday.
The strikes reportedly targeted a power substation and a fuel station, causing disruptions to critical infrastructure.
According to local medical sources cited by the UN, several healthcare facilities, including a dialysis center, were forced to close.
Water stations were also reportedly shut down, limiting access to essential services for residents.
Drone attacks were further reported in other parts of North Kordofan, as well as in North Darfur and White Nile states, causing additional civilian casualties and infrastructure damage.
Meanwhile, a worsening cholera outbreak in West Kordofan had reached 700 reported cases and 60 deaths as of June 16, with humanitarian agencies linking the spread of disease to insecurity, displacement, and limited access to clean water.