War Reaches Sudan's Second-Largest City, Thousands Flee

Paramilitary Forces Open New Front in Eight-Month-Old Conflict, Sparking International Concern

Heavy fighting has reached Wad Madani, Sudan's second-largest city, forcing thousands of displaced people to flee.
The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has established a base in the city, opening a new front in the eight-month-old war.
Sudan's army, which has held the city since the start of the conflict, launched air strikes on RSF forces in an attempt to push back the assault.
The United Nations reports that 14,000 people have fled Wad Madani so far, with half a million people having sought refuge in the region, mainly from Khartoum.
The United States has urged the RSF to cease their advance on the region, warning of mass civilian casualties and significant disruption of humanitarian assistance efforts.