The United States condemned the spread of sexual violence related to the conflict in Sudan, which the U.S. State Department said is attributed to the Rapid Support Forces and their allied forces, based on credible sources, including victims. The department stated in a press release that "the numerous reports of rape, gang rape, and other forms of gender-based violence against women and girls in West Darfur and other areas are extremely concerning. These brutal acts contribute to the emergence of a new pattern of targeted ethnic violence."
It added, "We are particularly concerned about the situation inside and around the city of Nyala in South Darfur, where tens of thousands of civilians are trapped amid escalating fighting between the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces." The United States called on the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces to cease fighting immediately and allow safe passage for all civilians out of the city.
