Sudan security personnel killed chasing pro-army smugglers, state says

June 18, 2026 (WAD MADANI) – Two Sudanese intelligence personnel were killed and 13 others injured during a high-speed pursuit of an armed pro-army group smuggling contraband near Wad Madani, the Al Jazirah State Security Committee said on Thursday.

The incident highlights growing friction within the military coalition fighting the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The Joint Force, which comprises former rebel groups from Darfur allied with the Sudanese army, faces mounting accusations of involvement in drug, cigarette, and human trafficking across several states.

The Al Jazirah security committee said in a statement that a joint security force set an ambush after receiving intelligence that vehicles were frequently crossing a checkpoint from the south to smuggle prohibited goods.

One of the vehicles sped through the checkpoint and refused to stop, prompting security forces to give chase. During the pursuit, an anti-smuggling department vehicle overturned, resulting in the casualties, the statement said.

Following the confrontation, authorities ordered the closure of all checkpoints across Al Jazirah state. Security forces seized two vehicles belonging to the allied forces laden with smuggled goods, and legal proceedings have been initiated, the committee said.

Last week, police in neighbouring River Nile state reported seizing a large quantity of narcotic pills and arresting several individuals identified as members of the same Joint Force.

The Joint Force is primarily composed of Darfur-based armed movements that fight alongside the army, most notably Minni Minnawi’s Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) and Gibril Ibrahim’s Justice and Equality Movement (JEM).