US sanctions top commanders of Sudan’s paramilitary forces

WASHINGTON

The US on Wednesday announced sanctions against top commanders of Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) following an attack on a major city in the western region of Darfur.

The US imposed sanctions on Ali Yagoub Gibril and Osman Mohamed Hamid Mohamed for their roles leading RSF operations in Darfur, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement.

“Attacks by the RSF, the Sudanese Armed Forces and allied forces have caused civilian casualties and must immediately cease, as should the external support for warring parties,” he said. “All impediments to humanitarian access – at a time when millions are at risk of starvation due to conflict – must be removed.

Miller said the US will continue to use the “tools at its disposal to support the peace process and impose costs on those perpetuating the conflict,” signaling additional measures.