India, April 27 -- Escalating violence in Sudans North Darfur state has left dozens dead and people trapped in El Fasher city, which is home to around 800,000 people, many displaced due to fighting.

In a note to correspondents issued on Friday, the UN said there were increasingly alarming reports of a dramatic escalation of tensions.

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are reportedly encircling El Fasher, suggesting a coordinated move to attack the city may be imminent. Simultaneously, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) appear to be positioning themselves, the statement added.

An attack on the city would have devastating consequences for civilians, the statement from the UN Spokespersons Office continued.

This escalation of tensions is in an ...