Army and allies take control of strategic area near triangle border area, Minawi says

May 18, 2025 (AL-MALIHA) – The Governor of Darfur Region, Minni Arko Minawi, announced on Sunday that the Army and allied Joint Force took control of the strategic Wadi al-Atrun area, located in the border triangle between Sudan, Libya and Chad.

Last March, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) made significant advances in the Great Desert area by taking control of Al-Maliha locality in North Darfur State, which had been under the control of the Army and its armed movement allies due to its proximity to the border with Libya. They had an open supply line with northern and eastern Sudan.

Minawi, who also oversees the Joint Force, said in a tweet on the “X” platform: “Our heroes in the Armed Forces and the Joint Forces are achieving great victories by liberating the strategic Al-Atrun area from the grip of the terrorist Rapid Support militia.”

“We bring good news to our people in the Darfur region that victory is imminent, and soon we will celebrate in all the streets,” he added.

The movement by the Army and its allies in the desert area coincides with another movement in the Kordofan region aimed at reaching the Darfur region and ending the siege of El Fasher.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Joint Force, Ahmed Hussein Mustafa, said that the liberation of Al-Atrun Oasis came after a precise and coordinated military operation carried out by the Joint Force in cooperation with the Armed Forces. He pointed out that the RSF suffered heavy losses in lives and equipment.

He considered the liberation of the area a crucial step towards restoring security and stability in the Darfur region, and it reflects their firm commitment to protecting civilians and securing Sudanese lands.

The Al-Atrun area belongs to the Al-Wahat administrative unit within Al-Maliha locality. It is located on a strategic road linking the Northern State, North Darfur State, and the border triangle area.