Sudanese army allies and RSF clash near Chadian border
January 9, 2026 (EL GENEINA) – Military clashes renewed on Friday between the Joint Force allied with the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) near the border with Chad, amid conflicting reports regarding control of the territory.
Darfur Region Governor Minni Arko Minawi said their forces struck the strongholds of the “Janjaweed militia” in both the North and West Darfur axes. Minawi vowed that the battle would continue until the militia is uprooted and the displaced return to their homes.
On Dec. 24, the RSF and its allies in the Sudan Founding Coalition (Tasis) launched a major military operation in the northwestern areas of North Darfur. They briefly seized control of Abu Qamra, Ambru, and Karnoi before retreating under heavy drone strikes from the army.
The offensive was accompanied by reports of widespread violations by RSF elements, including looting, arrests, and ethnic-based killings targeting thousands of civilians.
Military sources told Sudan Tribune that the RSF, supported by fighters from the Sudan Liberation Forces Gathering led by El Tahir Hajar and a faction of the Justice and Equality Movement led by Suleiman Sandal, attacked Joint Force positions in the town of Jargira early Friday. The attack initially forced the Joint Force to withdraw toward Tina.
The sources said the Joint Force later regained control of the town, supported by drone strikes targeting RSF mobile units around Jargira and other sites near Kulbus in West Darfur.
Both the RSF and the Joint Force released videos on loyalist social media platforms claiming control of the town. Field reports regarding actual territorial control remain contradictory.
Jargira is strategically located between North and West Darfur, approximately 30 kilometres south of Tina and over 100 kilometres north of El Geneina. The town serves as an advanced defence point used by army allies to protect positions in Tina and other areas near the Chadian border.
RSF attacks on the Tina, Ambru, and Karnoi localities in North Darfur, areas primarily inhabited by the Zaghawa ethnic group, have displaced thousands. Reports indicate civilians have fled to valleys and caves under harsh conditions, while RSF forces allegedly looted markets and hospitals.