A town in South Darfur, Sudan, has been seized by the paramilitary force known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) following clashes with the army.
The situation has resulted in the displacement of several thousand families from the town of Kas, and there are disturbing reports of human rights abuses.
Incidents of looting or destruction of government buildings and markets by RSF fighters have been reported.
Since the outbreak of the conflict in mid-April, non-Arab communities across Darfur have been specifically targeted by the RSF and allied Arab militias.
Violent confrontations are ongoing in the capital city, Khartoum, and various other areas, while regional and international mediation efforts persist in seeking an end to the conflict.
This recent bout of ethnic violence bears resemblance to a similar pattern witnessed two decades ago when militias were deployed to suppress a rebellion. That previous war resulted in the loss of approximately 300,000 lives.