Sudanese army launches airstrikes on RSF base near Libyan border
September 2, 2023 (EL-FASHER) – A high-ranking military official in North Darfur state has revealed that the Sudanese army conducted a series of intense airstrikes targeting a military base belonging to the Rapid Support Forces in North Darfur, situated near the Libyan border.
In a bid to prevent the delivery of military supplies to the RSF via Libya, the Sudanese army seized control of the Chevrelet military base, located on the Libyan border, just a few days after the outbreak of hostilities on April 19.
Without explicitly naming the countries involved, the Sudanese army has accused some countries in the region of providing weapons and ammunition to the RSF through Libya and the Central African Republic.
“On August 28 and 29, military aircraft launched strikes on the Zarq area base in North Darfur state, resulting in the destruction of numerous military vehicles and stockpiles of ammunition and provisions,” the military official told Sudan Tribune.
He further disclosed that the army continues to closely monitor the influx of substantial quantities of weapons originating from Libyan territory. These weapons are being stockpiled in the Zarq in anticipation of their deployment to military operations in Khartoum and certain Darfur states.
This military operation follows multiple reports since last July suggesting the presence of the second-in-command of the RSF, Abdel Rahim Daglo, in the desert region, which is historically associated with armed groups in Darfur.
Over the past few years, the Rapid Support Forces have directed significant resources toward the Zarq area. They have established various service facilities, including schools and hospitals, equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology. Additionally, a sizable military base was constructed, with plans to develop an airport in the desert region.
In 2022, Hemetti visited the Zarq base, conducting an impressive military parade for his forces. Shortly before the outbreak of the conflict, armoured military vehicles located in the area were relocated to the capital, Khartoum.
Hemetti encouraged members of his Rizeigat tribe to migrate to the region and settle there over the past years, despite objections from the Zaghawa tribe, viewing it as a challenge to their tribal influence. Also, Musa Hilal, a traditional leader of the Mahamid Arab group, vehemently opposed this initiative, considering it a direct threat to his tribal authority.
(ST)