Sudanese joint force clashes with RSF near West Darfur capital

October 5, 2026 (EL GENEINA) – Fierce fighting resumed on Monday between the Joint Force allied with the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces near El Geneina, the capital of West Darfur state.
​The clashes took place around Bir Saliba and Abu Suruj, areas situated near the border with Chad that have experienced rising instability in recent months.
​The Joint Force said in a military communiqué that its troops engaged in intense ground battles to counter RSF manoeuvres in the area.
​According to the statement, allied troops destroyed seven RSF combat vehicles, inflicted heavy casualties on opposing fighters, and regained control of Bir Saliba before deploying across surrounding positions.
​Border corridors linking North and West Darfur have remained major flashpoints as the RSF attempts to overrun remaining government and allied positions in Darfur, particularly El Tina, Um Baru, and Karnoi.
​The disputed frontier region holds vital operational value due to its proximity to transit routes running through the Sudan-Chad-Libya border triangle.
​The fighting comes amid severe civilian displacement across the area, with the International Organization for Migration reporting earlier that thousands had fled villages in West Darfur’s Sirba locality due to recurring clashes around Bir Saliba.