Darfur rebel coalitions reported a major victory against the Rapid Support Forces, claiming to have killed 680 fighters and captured many vehicles. The fighting occurred in a strategic border area, and the rebels alleged UAE training for RSF troops. Their announcement follows reported RSF operations in Northern Darfur, indicating ongoing military engagements.
A coalition of rebel factions from Darfur announced on January 20, 2025, their success in repelling an incursion by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which they claimed was bolstered by forces from Libya. They reported significant casualties on the RSF side and seized numerous vehicles during the encounter. The fighting took place in a resource-rich border area of Sudan, Libya, and Chad, pivotal for transportation and supplies.
The joint forces, which included the Sudanese military and allied groups, stated they disrupted the RSF’s efforts to regroup and resupply troops that were encircled in Darfur. The rebels asserted that in the ambush, they killed 680 RSF fighters and mercenaries while also destroying 37 vehicles and capturing 65 equipped with advanced weaponry. They alleged that the UAE was involved in training and equipping the RSF contingent positioned in eastern Libya.
Following the clash, the rebels claimed that many RSF remnants were fleeing towards Libya or seeking refuge in Chad. Their statement responds to recent RSF publications showcasing a faction known as “Mobile Storm,” which purportedly executed attacks in North Darfur involving RSF second-in-command Abdel Rahim Daglo. Additionally, the joint force reported having thwarted another RSF incursion in North Darfur, resulting in the deaths of over 270 fighters, destruction of 24 vehicles, and capture of 13 others.
The conflict in Darfur has been ongoing since the early 2000s, stemming from tensions between the Sudanese government and various ethnic groups. The Rapid Support Forces have been implicated in numerous human rights violations during the conflict. The RSF, originally formed to combat insurgency, has become a powerful military faction in Sudan. The region’s strategic importance arises from its mineral wealth and critical supply routes, making it a focal point for various armed groups.
The reported victory by Darfur rebels over the RSF emphasizes continuing hostilities and the ongoing conflicts amidst efforts for stability in Sudan. The heavy casualties claimed by the rebels highlight the intense nature of the clashes and the complexities concerning external military support, such as alleged UAE involvement. The situation remains dynamic, with further developments likely as operations continue in the region.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
