Sudan conflict escalates as RSF launches crackdown in South and East Darfur over army allegiances

Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have launched a sweeping operation across South and East Darfur, targeting civil servants, ex-soldiers, and civilians suspected of collaborating with the Sudanese army, according to local media reports.

Local media reports indicate that the operation, led by RSF intelligence units on Monday in Nyala, South Darfur, led to the arrests and forceful detention of several individuals.

Although the RSF maintains authority over both South and East Darfur, it has faced serious allegations of human rights violations, ranging from extrajudicial killings and looting to the indiscriminate detention of civilians suspected of sympathising with the Sudanese army.

Those detained are said to include civil servants Oqba Abdelhamid, Saber Bashir and Salah Majok. In a separate incident, sources reported that RSF troops raided a residence in Nyala and fatally shot Yasser Mustafa, the brother of a high-ranking army official.

Army drone strikes

Additional reports indicate that the operation has been prompted by recent army drone strikes targeting critical RSF infrastructure in the area, including the Nyala International Airport.

The RSF has reportedly retaliated by targeting Starlink satellite internet hubs, conducting raids and arresting civilians in the aftermath of the strikes.

Further, in East Darfur, the RSF continued its crackdown on supposed Sudanese Army sympathisers in El Daein, targeting individuals affiliated with the Islamic Movement and National Congress Party.

RSF military personnel who fled Khartoum after the Sudanese military seized control of it in May were also reportedly arrested and detained.

A video shared on social media platforms shows one of the RSF commanders vowing to eradicate all Sudanese Army sympathisers, whom he described as sleeper cells.

"We will not compromise on areas where our martyrs have fallen; we will impose full control through an iron fist," the commander said, according to the Sudan Tribune.

"Anyone who challenges the blood of our martyrs, we will cut his neck... anyone in our areas of control must watch their step or be a brave enemy and face us on the battlefield."

In response, the RSF's civilian leadership has announced a state of emergency and general mobilisation across South and East Darfur, citing escalating security threats.

The administration has appealed to the public for full cooperation and encouraged young people to rally behind the RSF's efforts.

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• Sudan
• Sudan
• Rapid Support Forces
• Khartoum
• RSF
• South Darfur
• East Darfur
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