Sudanese joint forces recapture Kulbus in West Darfur
June 29, 2026 (KULBUS) – The joint force allied with the Sudanese army announced on Monday the liberation of Kulbus in West Darfur state following fierce battles against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The recapture of the town comes nearly two years after the RSF seized control of it in October 2024, following violent clashes with the joint force.
Kulbus is a historic stronghold of the Gimir tribe and the site of the tribe’s sultanate headquarters.
During the RSF expansion in West Darfur after the outbreak of the war in 2023, leaders of the sultanate reached an agreement that prevented attacks on the town, despite the RSF controlling several villages and towns in the state at the time. Kulbus eventually fell into their hands in October 2024.
The spokesperson for the joint force, Mutawakil Wakeel, said in a statement that within the framework of ongoing military operations and completing a series of victories achieved by their forces over the past few days, the forces, in coordination with the armed forces and the popular resistance, managed to fully liberate Kulbus from the grip of the rebel militia after decisive battles.
Wakeel explained that the joint force inflicted heavy losses in lives and equipment on the enemy, while their units continue to pursue the remnants of the defeated militias and secure the area and its surroundings.
He added that this achievement comes in the context of ongoing military operations to liberate the remaining areas under the rebel militia’s control, leading to the full restoration of state sovereignty over the entire national territory.
The spokesperson urged all citizens in towns, villages, and areas near the theatre of military operations to exercise the utmost caution and refrain from approaching clash zones or militia remnants to preserve their lives and safety.
Platforms loyal to the joint force broadcast video clips showing their members inside the local government headquarters.
Kulbus is located about 130 kilometres northwest of El Geneina, the capital of West Darfur state, which has been under RSF control since November 2023.