Chadian army attacks Darfur groups, killing and wounding fighter
February 8, 2025 (TINE) – A armed alliance comprised of the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) led by Abdel Wahid Nur and the Gathering of Liberation Forces of Sudan (GLFS) headed by Tahir Hajar clashed with the Chadian army after crossing into Chadian territory, resulting in 19 casualties and the capture of two commanders, military sources told Sudan Tribune.
The incident occurred in the tri-border area between Sudan, Libya, and Chad, where the alliance forces had advanced. The sources reported that six soldiers were killed and approximately 13 others wounded, with three military vehicles destroyed and two commanders taken captive. The captured commanders were transferred to the Chadian town of Amdjarass.
The Neutral Force to Protect Civilians (NFPC) was launched on January 12 following extensive military consultations between the two movements. Its stated aim was to protect civilians and deliver humanitarian aid to areas under their control in the Darfur region of Sudan.
The tri-border area has seen increased activity from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to move military equipment from Libya into Sudan. Last month, fierce fighting erupted between the RSF and the Joint Force, battling alongside the Sudanese army in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State.
In a statement, the Neutral Force, seen by Sudan Tribune, said its troops were operating in coordination with the Chadian government along the north-western border and as part of its mandate to protect civilians, which began last January.
The armed alliance said that due to a communication breakdown with the Chadian government in the Sahara desert region, its forces were attacked by the Chadian border protection force, resulting in casualties and the capture of personnel, as well as the seizure of military vehicles.
The NFPC apologized to the Chadian government for the communication failure and appealed for the release of the captured soldiers and the return of all vehicles and personal belongings.
The alliance expressed its full readiness to cooperate with the Chadian government on all matters related to the security and safety of both peoples.
On January 16, the Neutreal Force suffered heavy casualties in an attack by the RSF near Kabkabiya in North Darfur state, resulting in numerous deaths among civilians and soldiers, as well as the destruction of military vehicles.