Darfur joint force claim victory over RSF forces entering from Libya

January 20, 2025 (BIR MARQI) – A coalition of former Darfur armed groups said on Monday they had repelled an incursion by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) from Libya, inflicting heavy casualties and capturing dozens of vehicles.

The clash occurred in a strategic border region between Sudan, Libya and Chad, an area rich in mineral resources and a key transit point for supplies.

The joint force, which includes the Sudanese army and allied factions, said in a statement it had “thwarted desperate attempts by the RSF to reorganize its ranks and resupply its forces besieged in Darfur.”

The armed groups claimed to have killed 680 RSF fighters and mercenaries in the ambush, destroying 37 vehicles and capturing 65 others equipped with advanced weaponry. They alleged the UAE had trained and equipped the RSF force in eastern Libya.

“The remnants of the mercenaries were scattered in the border triangle, some fleeing back to Libya, while others sought refuge in Chad,” the statement said.

Sudan Tribune could not independently verify the claims. There was no immediate response from the RSF.

The statement comes after RSF supporters circulated videos in recent days showing a desert force dubbed “Mobile Storm” attacking areas in North Darfur. RSF second-in-command Abdel Rahim Daglo reportedly participated in those operations.

The joint force said it had also repelled another RSF attack in North Darfur, killing more than 270 fighters, destroying 24 vehicles and capturing 13.