Satellite images reveal the destruction in North Darfur

July 18, 2026 – In the Sudan and Darfur News category, the Yale Humanitarian Lab released satellite imagery showing the destruction of markets and villages predominantly inhabited by the Zaghawa ethnic group in North Darfur over the past few weeks. Since the beginning of June, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have launched near-continuous attacks on villages in northwestern North Darfur, including the vital water source of the Urshi reservoir in the Um Buru locality. According to the Lab’s report, deliberate attacks were documented in four residential areas, including arson in the Urshi reservoir, Qurbara, Um Buru, and Abu Liha, between June 12 and July 7, 2026. At least three markets were also damaged in these attacks. Analysis of low-resolution satellite imagery indicates that markets were directly targeted, with damage visible inside or near these markets in three of the four areas attacked. Open sources reported looting during the attacks on Qurbara and the Urshi reservoir, noting that the lack of high-resolution imagery prevented a full assessment of the damage to livestock markets. The lab bases its reports on the analysis of satellite imagery, remote sensing data, and open-source reviews, including local media reports and social media, subjecting them to verification and comparison before finalizing its findings. The report explained that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) began their attacks on June 14 on villages surrounding the Urshi Dam by burning and razing villages, looting property, and targeting civilians. The area later became a battle zone with the Joint Forces, which announced the recapture of parts of it. Between June 24 and 27, high-resolution satellite imagery showed several buildings burning in the Um Buru market, consistent with deliberate arson attacks. Reports indicate that the RSF attacked six villages around the Urshi Dam and announced their control of them on June 15. Other reports describe attacks on markets, burning of property, looting, and the use of drones. Satellite imagery confirmed damage to residential complexes in the village, while local sources reported at least seven deaths and ten injuries. Yale Lab reports further documented separate instances of destruction in the Abu Leha area, where some 500 people were displaced in April due to the deteriorating security situation and renewed attacks during military operations around the Urshi Reservoir. Satellite imagery showed damage from a fire at the Qurbara market between June 22 and July 7, consistent with a deliberate attack. Yale Lab believes that targeting markets and the Urshi Reservoir, a primary water source, and looting livestock will have far-reaching humanitarian consequences. The report notes that many of those displaced by the attacks are stranded in remote areas without shelter or adequate aid and require up to 12 hours to reach water sources. The report emphasizes that the scale of the destruction and violations is likely much greater than documented, as low-resolution imagery cannot capture all the damage and sexual violence and other abuses against civilians remain undocumented.