‘No mercy’: Sudan soldier tells of escape from RSF slaughter in el-Fasher

Abubakr Ahmed was prepared to perish from Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), despite his tireless fighting.

El-Fasher was a member of the “popular resistance,” a neighborhood organization that helped the army and allies fight back against the RSF, their adversary during the two-and-a-half-year civil war, for 550 days.

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Up until its fall on October 26, the besieged city served as the last army stronghold in the sprawling Darfur region.

In an effort to stop a bloodbath, the army surrendered and negotiated the safe exit of its troops, according to Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) commander Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.

However, their withdrawal left 250,000 people, mostly beleaguered and starving, without access to the RSF.

Ahmad recalls “shooting” his way out of town with a small group of underage men. After a nearby car was destroyed by a rocket-propelled grenade, shrapnel struck Ahmed in the abdomen during the final clashes.

He was able to escape, unlike many others.

After fleeing El-Fasher, Ahmed, 29, told Al Jazeera, “The RSF killed civilians and left their bodies in the streets.”

They were not shown mercy, they were killed. ”

Exodus in large numbers

According to the local monitor Sudan’s Doctors’ Network, the RSF killed at least 1,500 people in the first three days after capturing El-Fasher. The World Health Organization has also verified the murders of 460 patients and their companions at the nearby al-Saud hospital.

Sanad, Al Jazeera’s own verification unit, verified a number of videos that showed RSF soldiers executing rows of unarmed young men while standing over a pile of dead bodies.

More than 33,000 people have already fled as a result of the mass murder, many of whom have already departed from Tawila and Tine, which are located about 60 kilometers (37 miles) away.

Most people are still hid from RSF gunmen in El-Fasher, though.

People are still making the long, tiring journey through the open desert, likely without food or water, to safety.

Mohammed, a survivor, claimed he arrived in Tawila on October 28 and that he anticipates seeing tens of thousands of newcomers soon.

Mohammed is a member of one of the sedentary “non-Arab” tribes, like most people from El-Fasher, which has historically been targeted by the nomadic “Arab” tribes that make up the majority of the RSF.

The RSF has terrified the majority of people, so they choose to stay in El-Fasher. They don’t trust the RSF because they are aware that they will face persecution, Mohammed said.

The non-Arabs will reside in another place, while the Arabs will reside in another. Unfortunately, that is the way it is right now, he continued.

Rwandan echoes

Mohamad Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo, the head of the RSS, stated in a speech on Wednesday that he would investigate reports of “abuses” occurring.

However, survivors claim that the killing in El-Fasher appears to be a deliberate attempt to eradicate the non-Arab population.

In a report released on October 28th, the Yale Humanitarian Research Lab (HRL), which analyzes the fighting in Darfur, claimed there was clear evidence that the RSF was killing people as they attempted to flee.

According to the HRL report, the scale of these mass killings cannot currently be determined from satellite imagery alone, and it is likely that any estimates of the total number of RSF victims’ deaths are underestimated.

The United Nations Children’s Foundation (UNICEF) representative for Sudan, Sheldon Yett, described the scenes in El-Fasher as “killing fields.”

There are echoes of this here because I was in Rwanda during the genocide. What frightens me is the kind of slaughter we are witnessing, as well as the pride the perpetrators have in killing innocent people in El-Fasher, Yett told Al Jazeera.

He added that UNICEF has lost communication with many of the local relief workers and initiatives they are supporting on the ground, including those that oversee community kitchens, which are crucial for reducing hunger in Sudan.

Many of them are in immediate danger, he claimed.

Local relief workers in Sudan have a history of being targeted by the RSF because they frequently accuse them of “collaborating” with the army.

We have had trouble contacting many of the people we rely on to provide services to people because of the precarious nature of many of our national partners [in El-Fasher].

They are not dead, they simply are. But many are hiding and moving, he continued.

condemnation in a loud manner

The UN, the US, and the European Union all issued condemnations of the atrocities committed in El-Fasher in response to news reports and videos.

They all demanded that the RSF follow international law and “protect civilians.”

However, survivors and analysts claim that the international community should have used its diplomatic leverage to stop atrocities from ever occurring.

The RSF attempted to take control of El-Fasher for a long time, and it did so right away. If El-Fasher were to succeed, we would know what would happen, according to Manchester University PhD candidate Hamid Khalafallah.

The international community has shown no sign of being proactive in protecting civilians, he told Al Jazeera, especially from multilateral organizations like the UN and Western powers.

According to Jean-Baptiste Gallopin, a senior researcher at Human Rights Watch’s Crisis, Conflict and Arms Division, the RSF regularly commits mass atrocities after seizing or invading new territory, as it did in El-Geniena and Aradamata in West Darfur.

He argued that diplomats had failed to put an end to the practice of impunity by denying support to RSF leader Hemedti, possibly out of fear that it would stifle ceasefire talks.

According to Gallopin, this persistent impunity has made the RSF comfortable enough to film their own crimes in El-Fasher.

Diplomats are focused on achieving a elusive ceasefire, and they disregard any measures they take to protect civilians or prosecute those who violate it, he told Al Jazeera.

Thousands march in Serbia to mark deadly train station collapse a year ago

Serbia’s largest antigovernment protest movement in decades is being staged in the northern town of Novi Sad as a result of a train station collapse that resulted in the march of thousands of Serbian youths.

16 people died as a result of the roof failure on November 1st, including four children, and Aleksandar Vucic, a leader of right-wing populists, are still being urged to step down. Vucic has ignored demands for snap elections and deep-seated government corruption, which protesters have attributed to him.

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University students began the 90-kilometer (56-mile) march to Novi Sad on Thursday, where they are expected to march alongside tens of thousands of other protesters.

Other people have been marching for weeks, including those who are more than 300 kilometers (185 miles) from Novi Sad, according to Milena Veselinovic of Al Jazeera.

One of the Novi Pazar students, Emina Spahic, stated to Al Jazeera, “The main reason we decided to do the walk is the 16 victims, and no one has been held accountable for their deaths even after a year.”

Another student, Enes Dzogovic, claimed that people who lived in “the most remote places” had aided the students by providing them with “whatever we need” along the way.

They “are always there to assist us,” he said.

On June 28, 2025, thousands of protesters in central Belgrade clash with Serbian riot police.

escalating protests

What began as a protest against the train’s collapse has since turned into broader animosity toward Vucic’s administration.

In the end, the tragedy was brought to the attention of 13 people, including a former transport minister. However, there is no trial date set for the charges, which require higher court approval.

Government officials have refuted allegations of corruption and lack of oversight.

The Council of Europe and other watchdogs have expressed concern over the excessive use of force by authorities as a result of recent months’ increasingly violent police response.

Police used tear gas and stun grenades at a Pride rally in September, with students accusing them of staging “brutal attacks on their own citizens.”

At a different rally, Nikolina Sindjelic, a student detained in August while conducting a protest, claimed that she was beaten by police while she was being held.

According to Sindjelic, “They have hit us and they will hit us because they know it is all over [for them].”

About 1, 000 protesters have been detained over the past month, according to Al Jazeera’s Veselinovic.

Vucic, who has been in office since 2017, falsely claimed that police actions were influenced by foreign security forces.

Last month, Vucic stated, “We are not going to allow the destruction of the state institutions.” Serbia is a strong, responsible state, according to the statement.

Five things you should know about Mexico’s Day of the Dead

Mexican homes and streets have been decorated with marigold flowers, candles, and sugar skulls this week.

Mexicans are gearing up for the country’s most significant holiday, El Dia de los Muertos, which kicks off this weekend.

In honor of their deceased relatives, Mexican families will gather in homes and cemeteries. The day is full of lively parades and rituals, including hot chocolate and Mexican street food, as well as elaborate altar decorations and desserts.

It’s a celebration of life, not death.

El Dia de los Muertos, or The Day of the Dead, is a celebration of the lives of those who have passed rather than mourning or grieving.

The living and the dead are said to have had a connection during this time. Traditional rituals, such as offering certain food items and putting marigold flowers on altars, are believed to assist spirits in visiting the dead.

People wear colorful skeleton costumes as well to honor the dead.

In La Laguna, Spain’s Canary Islands, a woman is presenting a presentation attempting to bring the cultures of Mexico and the Canarian together around the Day of the Dead.

Indigenous roots are present in The Day of the Dead.

The ancient Aztec belief that death is a continuation of life is the inspiration for the festival. There are descendants of the Aztecs today, primarily in Mexico.

The Aztecs, who lived in central Mexico from the 14th to the 16th centuries, held month-long celebrations for the deceased.

In these celebrations, they also paid tribute to Mictecacihuatl, the goddess of the underworld, and made offerings of food and items for her.

All Saints’ Day on November 1 and All Souls’ Day on November 2 were the two Catholic holidays that the Spanish colonists introduced to Mexico in 1519.

These two days eventually became the Day of the Dead.

Families build altars for the deceased.

In their homes and in cemeteries, families place altars containing offerings for deceased loved ones and ancestors, which are known as “ofrendas.”

The steps to heaven are represented by two levels of heaven and earth, three levels of purgatory, and seven levels of earth signification.

The altars also have items made of the four elements: water to quench visitors’ thirst, fire to guide the spirits, earth, which is represented by food and special items for the deceased, and air, which is represented by vibrant paper designs. Salt, which is thought to aid souls on their way to the afterlife, is also present in some altars.

Additionally, these altars have marigold flowers, marigolds, and other images of the deceased, as well as their favorite foods, candles, and marigolds, which are thought to help spirits return from the cemetery to their families’ homes.

altar
El Dia de los Muertos, a Mexican holiday dedicated to the decedents, is a celebration of the deceased. In Queretaro, Mexico, in October 2017, multiple-colored skulls and statues are displayed on an altar.

Additionally, the altars have “calaveras” (skulls), which are written in tongue-in-cheek about the deceased loved ones. These poems describe interesting behavior and funny tales that occurred during the lives of the deceased.

Skulls, a symbol of the perpetual nature of life and death, are a common sight on the Day of the Dead. The edible and decorative skull models made of sugar, clay, or papier-mache, or “calavera de azucar,” are used to decorate altars.

A girl holding her mother’s hand walks past decorative skulls displayed on Reforma Avenue ahead of Day of the Dead festivities in Mexico City, Friday, Oct. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)
In preparation for Day of the Dead festivities in Mexico City, a girl holding her mother’s hand strolls past elaborate skulls on Reforma Avenue.

The “bread of the dead,” or “pan de muerto,” is a circular loaf of bread decorated with bone-shaped designs, is another popular food item during the festival. The bread is typically decorated with sugar to represent the sorrowful tears that loved ones have shed.

On both days of the festival, the bread is baked and consumed, and it is also offered at the altars.

Users can also create virtual altars on websites like MiAltar. These can be shared through the website.

La Catrina presides over parades.

La Catrina, who is tall and skeletal, can be seen all over the festival.

Political cartoonist and lithographer Jose Guadalupe Posada made her a character in the early 1900s.

epa12486903 A monumental Catrina stands beside the Angel of Independence during the International Festival of Lights for the Day of the Dead in Mexico City, Mexico, 27 October 2025. EPA/MARIO GUZMAN
During the Mexican City International Festival of Lights for the Day of the Dead, a monumental La Catrina stands next to the statue.

A fashionable French hat and feathers are on La Catrina. Posada’s writings were a counterpoint to the Mexicans’ desire to imitate the elite of Europe.

Posada’s famous saying, “We are all skeletons,” makes reference to how we are all the same in the absence of expensive clothing, jewelry, and other accessories.

In a 1947 mural, Diego Rivera named Posada after her in the Latin word “the rich” (the rich) and added her name.

Pedestrians and tourists walk past an illuminated Catrina during the International Festival of Lights as part of the Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico City on October 27, 2025.
During the International Festival of Lights and the Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico City, pedestrians and tourists pass an illuminated La Catrina.

Day of the Dead is a daylong event that goes on for more than one day.

November 1 and November 2 are the main days of the holiday. However, some countries start their celebrations on October 27, which also includes their deceased pets. The following days are dedicated to creating altars.

The Philippines, which was colonized by Spain in 1565, are also celebrated throughout Latin America, including in Spain, some areas of the country with large Mexican-American populations, and in Mexico, where the Day of the Dead is celebrated.

The month of November is typically dedicated to “angelitos” (little angels), which are typically referred to as “angelitos” (little angels). Toys and balloons are adorn their graves.

Prince Andrew ‘must face the law’ as King strips him of titles after Epstein scandal

Andrew “needs to go through the legal process.” Following the announcement that King Charles had begun the removal of his younger brother from all of his royal titles, a royal biographer made a statement.

The palace announced on Thursday that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor will replace Prince Andrew as the new name with immediate effect. Following years of controversy over the late Queen Elizabeth’s son’s connections to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted paedophile,

Anchor Ranvir Singh said in a statement on Good Morning Britain that “the King’s statement is absolutely unprecedented, historic, jaw-dropping, and, as we always say on this program, Andrew strenuously denies the allegations.” And they ostensibly, no vigorously, no strenuously, just that he denies the allegations in the statement.

According to royal biographer Andrew Lownie, the King’s brother should be tried in an ITV court.

“There’s something in that, isn’t there? “, the statement goes on. Yes, he’s been caught lying, according to Royal biographer Andrew Lownie. You couldn’t take a single thing he said without checking it, I certainly discovered when I was researching my book.

The King has probably realized he hasn’t been being truthful. The evidence against Andrew is overwhelming, so we must say these things. Although this is not the story’s conclusion, I would undoubtedly join the Roberts family. Although it has prevented the Royal Family from being a victim of the scandal, I now believe Andrew must follow the law’s orders.

He has not cooperated with anyone, even with agreements for mutual assistance. He has not gotten in touch with the victims’ attorneys. There should be compelling arguments to bring charges, in my opinion.

Adil Ray stated that Andrew's punishment demonstrates 'privilege'
Adil Ray argued that Andrew’s punishment demonstrates “privilege.”

Adil Ray, the co-chord, continued, “It is a sign of privilege. If you are only punished by losing your title to the Prince, it is a sign of privilege to move from one lovely big house to a slightly smaller lovely big house. Many people at home would face legal consequences if this happened.

“So really, if at the very least he denies allegations and is innocent, he’ll be a key witness to some things,” he said. He was a friend of Epstein, has any character he can help with, and is even able to. We think there have been thousands of victims in this scandal involving numerous, many men.

She was a regular visitor at Epstein’s home, according to Mr. Lownie, and she was also quoted as saying, “Absolutely and Sarah Ferguson, both of whom have her own black book.” She ought to also serve as a credible witness.

Virginia Giuffre accused Andrew of having sex with her when she was just 17
Virginia Giuffre claimed that Andrew and she had sex when she was just 17 (AP).

Virginia Giuffre charged Andrew with having sex with her in March 2001, at the age of 17. She claimed that Epstein and his girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, had allegedly engaged in child trafficking. Virginia claimed that Andrew and his girlfriend took her to the London Tramp club where they later had sex that night.

She claimed that after sleeping with Andrew, Epstein paid her $15, 000. Andrew vehemently refuted the allegations in a 2019 interview with BBC Newsnight and admitted to not remembering meeting Virginia. Andrew vehemently refutes all accusations made against him.

Buckingham Palace confirmed that the King had started the legal process to remove all of his titles in a rare move on Thursday. They stated that “His Majesty has today started a formal procedure to remove Prince Andrew’s style, titles, and honors.” Andrew Mountbatten Windsor will now be known as Prince Andrew. He has since been given legal protection to remain in residence thanks to his lease on Royal Lodge.

He will move to another private accommodation and receive formal notice that the lease has been renounced. Despite the fact that he continues to refute the accusations against him, these critiques are deemed necessary. Their Majesties are happy to express to the victims and survivors of all forms of abuse that their thoughts and sympathies have been and will remain with them forever.

At the age of 41, Virginia tragically committed suicide in April at her Neergabby, Western Australia, home. Her father initially argued that “someone got to her” and that her death was suicide.

The Samaritans have a free helpline that is available 24/7, accessible at 116 123, for those who are struggling and need to talk. You can also contact Jo at jo@samaritans.org or visit their website to find your neighborhood branch.

This story, do you like? Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTubeandThreads for more latest news and gossip.

Returning Jackson leads Ravens to win at Dolphins

Images courtesy of Getty

Lamar Jackson, a quarterback, made his injury debut by completing four touchdown passes for the Baltimore Ravens, 28-6.

Jackson missed three games with a hamstring injury in the team’s 37-20 defeat at the Kansas City Chiefs on September 28.

The 28-year-old completed 18 of his 23 passes for 204 yards with no interceptions, which is second-placed twice in the NFL MVP poll.

He twice won the MVP award, according to tight end Mark Andrews.

We are a dangerous team with [number] 8 leading the charge.

Baltimore (3-5) have won their first six games, and they are attempting to become the only NFL team to reach the playoffs after losing five of their first six games.

At Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, the Ravens managed just two field goals, putting together a strong defensive display.

Jackson acknowledged after the first play that he initially felt “a little rusty,” but he quickly found a rhythm.

After scoring Charlie Kolar to end an 11-play, 68-yard drive in the third quarter, he found Andrews with two of his touchdown passes in the first half. Rashod Bateman completed his touchdown pass.

Running back Derrick Henry, who became the 17th player in NFL history to surpass the 12, 000-yard career rushing mark, said, “Whenever you’re away from the game, you miss it.”

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Has England’s Euros triumph given women’s club football a boost?

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One of the constant refrains throughout England’s triumphant run at Euro 2025 – and most women’s football matches in recent years – has been how important the success of the national team has been for the growth of the game.

And there has undoubtedly grown. Since England finished third at the 2015 World Cup, the media has grown significantly and discussion of women’s football has increased significantly over the past ten years, especially since their Euro title was won in 2022.

What is going on with WSL attendance?

Following England’s victory at Euro 2022 and their bid to reach the 2023 World Cup final, there was a noticeable increase in average attendance over the previous four Women’s Super League (WSL) seasons, but figures for the last campaign only slightly increased.

This season the league has averaged almost 6, 500 fans per game. And while it’s important to remember that the season is still in its early stages, with most teams only having played six games, and that larger men’s stadiums like Manchester City, Manchester United, and Tottenham haven’t yet had the same level of bounce as they did three years ago, it’s obvious that there hasn’t been as much.

This season, there have also been two WSL fixture rounds that have been played on weekends without Premier League games, compared to the previous round’s one, which is typically when the WSL will be aiming for larger crowds.

Comparing the first six games of the season to this stage last year, the Women’s Sport Trust reported a fall of 1% in attendances.

However, some clubs exhibit signs of success.

Since Everton’s men moved to Hill Dickinson Stadium, they now play the majority of their home games at Goodison Park.

Their two WSL matches at their new home have drawn crowds of 6, 473 and 4, 313 – a huge rise from the previous two seasons, when they averaged 2, 000 at Walton Hall Park. 18, 154 people turned out for their first game against Manchester United at Hill Dickinson.

For their 0-0 draw against Arsenal this season, Manchester United had an audience of 8,665 at their Leigh Sports Village home, which is a club record for a WSL game.

There has been a more concerted push in women’s football for a dedicated fan base, to solidify the recent success and exposure into something longer term.

Nicky Kemp, editorial director of marketing consultancy Creativebrief, calls it “a really good strategy.”

The women’s game will always lose if we use the men’s game as a model. It will always be behind the curve if you compare transfer fees or how many people are in the stadiums.

Many clubs need to learn how to get fans to experience games because they have never had a strategy for filling stadiums.

“We have a lot of fans,” said one fan.

Arsenal is a fascinating case study. Playing all their WSL home games at the 60, 000-seater Emirates for the first time this season, they have the largest permanent home capacity of any English women’s side.

In three games this campaign, none of their attendances have exceeded 40, 000, compared to two out of three at the start of the previous season.

The club is not concerned about lower crowds because they are more pressing for a returning core of supporters than tens of thousands of day-trippers, even though they did not host one of the other big four teams this campaign in those first three games last year.

“We are very happy with the fans we have”, Arsenal manager Renee Slegers told her post-Brighton news conference when asked by BBC Sport about the attendance of 27, 336.

“I’m happy and proud of the fans and attendances we have,” he said.

On November 8th, Arsenal plays Chelsea, and they already had sold 50 000 tickets by last Friday. Last season 45, 860 fans attended the same fixture.

About 17, 000 season tickets for women’s soccer have been sold by Arsenal between 2025 and 2026. Compare this to Meadow Park’s 4,500 capacity, which was where they played the majority of their home games up until 2024.

“Our focus this season is on working together with these supporters to make the Emirates feel like the true home of Arsenal Women now all WSL matches are here”, a club spokesperson said.

Kick-off times are another problem for WSL fans.

New timings this season mean many more games start at noon, rather than the staggered kick-off times WSL fans were used to, while the divisive 18.45 slot on a Sunday has been scrapped.

To avoid conflict with Sky’s Premier League pick, which started at 14:00, three matches started at 11.55 on October 5.

Sports-mad families must choose between participating and attending, and using public transportation on a Sunday morning to travel to games can be challenging.

One plus is that games not picked for broadcast on BBC or Sky are now on YouTube, with the much-maligned FA Player consigned to the scrapheap.

Brands on the women’s football bandwagon

Sponsorship is a key factor in the success of major brands, which continue to be focused on women’s football.

Similar to the Premier League, the WSL, which is an independent company as of August 2024, is currently in the second year of a three-year, £45 million title sponsorship deal with Barclays, while a new agreement allows British Gas customers to obtain free tickets.

WSL players and clubs will appear in the Football Manager series of video games for the first time in the 2026 version which will be released in November.

According to Kemp, “The biggest brands are choosing to invest their money in women’s sports.” And since it’s in the challenger stage, it’s incredibly good value. While WSL is an independent entity, they can do their own activations”.

Other than the buzz surrounding major tournaments, other brands have also made longer commitments to women’s football.

Kerstin Casperij, a City and Netherlands defender, and her partner Ruth have become the faces of Tinder’s dating app, making one of the most eye-catching changes.

On social media England players are garnering a greater following.

Chloe Kelly, Leah Williamson, and Alessia Russo are the three current England players with more than a million Instagram followers. Not far behind are Ella Toone (850, 000), Lucy Bronze (905, 000), and Lauren James (950, 000).

Manchester City's Kerstin CasperijImages courtesy of Getty

What about the pyramid’s lower reaches?

After newly promoted Ipswich and Nottingham Forest both advanced to professional football over the summer, the second tier, WSL2, was renamed WSL2 for the 2025-26 season, and now has 12 full-time teams for the first time.

Professionalism also means treating players like professionals. Women’s use of men’s boots has become a common complaint due to the recent spate of serious knee ligament injuries in the WSL.

Nike, a sportswear giant, announced in September that it would offer free gloves to keepers and boots for WSL and WSL2 players. These are standard practice at the highest level of the men’s game.

Below the professional level, an extra promotion place has been added from the third tier. The women’s national league North and South winners used to compete for a spot in the second division, but now both winners move up.

And at the grassroots, it appears to be in good health.

Before the Euros, Sport England released figures stating that 835, 000 girls regularly play football – an increase of 165, 000 compared to 2017 – and that over the past decade almost 100, 000 women have taken up the sport, 215, 000 regularly played football a decade ago compared to 310, 000 now.

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