Ali Yaqoub Gibril | |
---|---|
علي يعقوب جبريل | |
Born | 1 January 1964 |
Died | 14 June 2024 (aged 60) |
Ali Yaqoub Gibril (Arabic: علي يعقوب جبريل; 1 January 1964 – 14 June 2024) was a Sudanese military leader in the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). He was accused of leading military operations that caused significant human rights violations in Darfur. Jibril started his career as a tribal militia leader in Central Darfur, where he was accused of committing crimes against an ethnic group. Later, he joined the RSF and took command in Central Darfur.[2]
In May 2024, the United States imposed sanctions on Ali Yaqoub Gibril and another RSF leader, Osman Mohammed Hamid, for their roles in exacerbating the conflict and increasing violence in Darfur. The sanctions include freezing their assets in the United States and banning financial transactions with them.[3]
Jibril played a crucial role in the RSF's military operations in Darfur, gaining control over Central Darfur and expelling the Sudanese Army from the 21st Infantry Division's command. He was involved in military actions targeting Battle of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, leading to numerous civilian casualties and worsening the humanitarian crisis in the region.[citation needed]
On 14 June 2024, the Sudanese Armed Forces killed Gibril during a failed RSF assault on El Fasher.[2]