The Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan, a United Nations-mandated body, said in a new report on Thursday that mass killings and other atrocities perpetrated by the Rapid Support Forces in and around El-Fasher during its siege and subsequent capture of the city in late October were “indicators of a genocidal path.”

In previous reports, the UN shied away from labeling the RSF’s actions as genocidal, describing war crimes instead.

Observers say the UN’s singling out of the RSF, a paramilitary group with a reputation for mass violence, will add pressure on the United Arab Emirates to rein it in. The oil-rich Gulf nation is widely alleged to be supporting the RSF as part of a bid to expand its influence in the Red Sea. Abu Dhabi vehemently denies the allegations.

In a further blow to the RSF, on Thursday the US Treasury sanctioned three of the group's commanders for their actions in El-Fasher. "The RSF and its aligned militias have committed widespread atrocities, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide," Treasury said in a press release announcing the sanctions.