Half a million people, including 105,000 displaced, are trapped in el-Obeid as the Rapid Support Forces tighten their grip on the North Kordofan city and troop movements indicate an offensive is imminent. A coalition of countries stated at least 50 civilians were killed in ten consecutive days of drone strikes across el-Obeid and North Kordofan, while the Yale Humanitarian Research Lab found damage consistent with intentional bombardment of civilian infrastructure. Food prices have surged up to 300 percent and escape routes are now combat zones, making it difficult to flee or for aid to enter.
The assault mirrors the RSF's October 2025 capture of el-Fasher, where an independent United Nations mission stated the assault bore hallmarks of genocide. Amnesty International reported on 5 July that the RSF committed ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity in el-Fasher. The United Nations has warned of an impending catastrophe in el-Obeid as the paramilitary group attempts to enforce dominance over Kordofan and Darfur.