The analysis conducted by BBC Verify on videos showing fighters bragging about a massacre and subsequently mocking survivors has revealed that those responsible are believed to be members of Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The BBC has verified that at least 80 individuals lost their lives in the October assault on al-Seriha in Gezira state, while the UN has reported that the death toll could potentially be as high as 124. An eyewitness shared with BBC Verify that he witnessed unarmed civilians being shot at close range by fighters as they attempted to escape.
It appears that the massacre was triggered by the defection of a senior RSF commander in Gezira state to the country’s armed forces.
In a statement to the BBC, an RSF spokesperson refuted allegations that their fighters were involved in the killings, asserting that the RSF’s mission is to safeguard civilians and promote security and peace, not target them.
The violent conflict, a 20-month power struggle between Sudan’s military authorities and their former RSF allies, has drawn criticism from human rights organizations for the widespread atrocities committed by both factions.
Please be advised: This article contains graphic descriptions of violence and images of deceased individuals that may be distressing to some readers.
The Chain of Events Following a Defection
On October 20, the Sudanese military announced that Abu Aqla Keikal, a senior RSF commander in Gezira state, had defected to them along with a significant number of his forces.
Keikal’s decision to rejoin the Sudanese army, where he had previously served before the conflict, was celebrated as a substantial propaganda victory, encouraging other RSF soldiers to follow suit as part of a broader amnesty initiative.
Following Keikal’s defection, fighters launched a series of at least 69 retaliatory attacks on towns and villages in Gezira state between October 20 and November 4, according to data compiled by the war monitoring organization Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED).
BBC Verify delved into one of these attacks in detail, utilizing eyewitness accounts, satellite imagery, video recordings, and photographs to piece together the sequence of events.
[BBC]
Unfolding of the Tragedy in al-Seriha
Mohammad Ismail was present for dawn prayers at a local mosque on October 25 when he heard the sounds of approaching fighters on the outskirts of al-Seriha, a town with approximately 15,000 residents located 90km (60 miles) south of Khartoum, the capital of Sudan.
He recounted to the BBC how he rushed home to protect his family as violence erupted all around.
Ismail described gunmen positioned on a mosque shooting indiscriminately at individuals below.
He witnessed many people being shot while attempting to flee, as well as others being gunned down at close range in the fields surrounding the town. Tragically, several of his family members were among the casualties.
Identifying the Culprits
BBC Verify acquired a series of videos filmed by the fighters themselves, where they boast about their actions and call out to Keikal, the former RSF commander, to witness firsthand the atrocities being inflicted on individuals from his region.
One video depicts troops adorned with RSF insignia celebrating their assault on the town and the killing of locals. The circular insignia on their right shoulders, also visible in other clips, features a black outline, a curved representation of the Sudanese flag, and a circular emblem above – the symbol associated with the RSF.
By cross-referencing buildings and other elements in the videos with satellite imagery of the town, it was confirmed that this video was filmed in al-Seriha.
[BBC]
In one of the videos, a fighter displays his wristwatch to the camera, showcasing the date as October 25 – the same date as the massacre in al-Seriha.
Ismail also mentioned to the BBC that he recognized some of the attackers as former residents who had joined the RSF.
He identified two commanders known to be senior RSF leaders in the area. Despite efforts to identify these individuals using facial recognition software, no matches were found.
The fighters left no doubt that the massacre was in direct response to Keikal’s defection.
In a video, a guard is heard saying in Arabic: “Keikal … look at what your people are enduring.”
By matching landmarks in the video, such as trees and nearby structures, to satellite images of al-Seriha, the location of the video was confirmed.
Another video, released online on October 26, features individuals in military attire with RSF insignia discussing Keikal’s defection and mentioning “traitors” in Gezira state. They specifically reference al-Seriha, indicating that the town would face consequences.
Throughout the video, they refer to themselves as “ashawis” in Arabic, meaning the “brave ones,” a term commonly used by RSF fighters.
When approached for comment, the RSF denied that the individuals featured in the videos were their troops.
A spokesperson for the group stated that obtaining a Rapid Support Forces uniform to commit crimes against civilians and then blame the Rapid Support Forces is a possibility. However, the BBC has viewed videos showing RSF insignia on the uniforms of those involved in the attacks. Human Rights Watch identified the RSF as the perpetrators of the attacks in al-Sehira and other towns in Gezira state. The UN condemned the killings in al-Seriha and other towns in Gezira state, attributing responsibility to the RSF. Multiple videos and photographic evidence show the aftermath of the attack on al-Seriha, with at least 82 bodies counted. The UN reported 124 deaths in the reprisal killings, while local groups suggest the number could be as high as 140. Satellite images indicate freshly-dug mounds in the town cemetery, suggesting mass graves. Survivors of the attacks were detained and some taken for ransom by the fighters. The activities of the RSF and Sudanese military in Gezira state have sparked international outrage and condemnation. US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield called for an end to arms supplies to both sides to halt the conflict and protect the people of Sudan. Merecen vivir.
Reportaje adicional por Mohanad Hashim. Gráficos por Mesut Ersoz.
[BBC]
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