Sudanese Army Repels Major Attack by Rapid Support Forces in El Fasher

Strategic Insights -

Fierce fighting erupted in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state, on Saturday as the Sudanese army clashed with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in a major attack. The RSF had intensified its attacks on the city in recent days, causing civilian casualties and prompting many residents to flee. The army claimed to have destroyed over 12 RSF vehicles and seized about 20 others, with hundreds of RSF fighters reportedly killed.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Sudanese army said it repelled a major attack by the RSF on El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state, with hundreds of RSF fighters reportedly killed.
  • The RSF had mobilized all its forces in an attempt to take the city but were met with heavy resistance from the army.
  • The army destroyed over 12 RSF vehicles and seized about 20 others.
  • Eyewitnesses reported that the clashes began when RSF fighters infiltrated several neighbourhoods in El Fasher, committing abuses against fleeing residents.
  • Volunteers in El Fasher accused the RSF of killing civilians based on their ethnicity, with at least three civilians reportedly summarily executed in two neighbourhoods.
  • Ahmed Mustafa, a volunteer, told Sudan Tribune that the health sector in El Fasher is on the brink of collapse, with hospitals struggling to cope with the influx of casualties and a severe shortage of medical supplies.

Statistics:

  • The army claimed to have destroyed over 12 RSF vehicles.
  • About 20 RSF vehicles were seized by the army.
  • Hundreds of RSF fighters were reportedly killed in the attack.
  • At least three civilians were summarily executed in two neighbourhoods.
  • The health sector in El Fasher is on the brink of collapse due to a severe shortage of medical supplies and an influx of casualties.

Sources:

Sudan Tribune

"Arsal Brigade repulses a massive attack against the city of El Fasher"

(accessed [date not provided])

Brigadier General Nabil Abdallah, an army spokesperson, statement to Sudan Tribune

("Our forces crushed a major attack by the RSF militia on El Fasher today")