RSF detains own members in Nyala after army strike, sources say

May 7, 2025 (NYALA) – Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched a wave of arrests targeting their own personnel in Nyala, South Darfur, on Wednesday, local sources said, hours after the Sudanese army shelled RSF positions at the city’s airport.

The detentions also extended to include some police officers and civilians, the sources added.

The Sudanese army had announced on Sunday the destruction of an Emirati cargo plane and military supplies destined for the RSF during the bombardment of Nyala airport. The army also reported that foreign combatants were killed in the strike.

Eyewitnesses reported that RSF troops have intensified their monitoring of satellite internet hubs, which residents depend on amid a persistent local telecommunications blackout. RSF members were reportedly forcing some individuals at these centers to allow searches of their mobile phones, one witness said.

The RSF recommenced operations at Nyala airport in September 2024. The airport has since allegedly been used for smuggling gold from South Darfur’s mines and for airlifting wounded fighters abroad.

Sudanese army warplanes have repeatedly targeted Nyala airport, though previous strikes had not reportedly impacted flight operations.