RSF attack on Musa Hilal’s Darfur stronghold kills 28, doctors say
February 24, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – At least 28 civilians were killed and dozens more wounded during a large-scale assault by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on the North Darfur stronghold of influential tribal leader Musa Hilal, a Sudanese medical group said on Tuesday.
The Sudan Doctors Network reported that the fatalities in Mistariha included women and children. The group said 39 people were injured, 10 of whom are women, following a coordinated offensive by the paramilitary group against the Mahameed clan leader.
RSF troops stormed Mistariha on Monday after a series of drone strikes targeted the guest house of Hilal, who serves as the chairman of the Revolutionary Awakening Council. The aerial bombardment also hit medical facilities and essential service infrastructure in the area.
The medical network stated that heavy rocket fire destroyed the region’s primary health centre. It added that medical personnel were assaulted during the raid, and one health worker was detained by the RSF. The staff member’s current location and condition remain unknown.
The Sudan Doctors Network condemned the “widespread violation” of the area, accusing the RSF of deliberate targeting of healthcare facilities and terrorizing the local population. The group described the incident as a “full-fledged crime” and a breach of international humanitarian law.
The violence has triggered a massive displacement of residents who are now fleeing toward neighbouring villages and rural settlements. Humanitarian advocates warn that these displaced populations are facing dire conditions without access to food or medical supplies.
The statement called on the international community to intervene immediately to protect civilians and ensure the delivery of emergency aid. It also demanded that RSF leadership be held directly accountable for the systematic targeting of non-combatants.
Tensions between the RSF and Musa Hilal have escalated sharply over the past year. Hilal, a former Janjaweed commander who remains a pivotal figure in Darfur, publicly supported the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) several months ago.
Relations soured further in early 2026 after the RSF accused Hilal of involvement in the killing of Hamid Ali Abu Bakr, a high-ranking advisor to the paramilitary group. This incident intensified the rivalry between the two forces in North Darfur.
The RSF recently attempted to undermine Hilal’s authority by sponsoring a tribal gathering to appoint a new leadership for the Mahameed clan. This move backfired, sparking a significant rift within the RSF’s own ranks as many Mahameed fighters defected.
The defecting fighters have reportedly converged on Mistariha to defend their traditional leader. This internal split has complicated the RSF’s control over the region and turned Mistariha into a primary front in the ongoing power struggle between the paramilitary group and local tribal factions aligned with the army.