RSF attacks on Darfur villages kill civilians, spark mass flight to Chad

July 5, 2026 (TINE) – Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched fresh ethnically motivated attacks on six villages near the town of Tine in North Darfur state, killing several civilians, injuring dozens, and forcing thousands to flee into neighbouring Chad.

The assault on these communities comes just days after significant military advancements by the Joint Force, an alliance of armed movements fighting alongside the Sudanese army. The allied forces recently seized control of the Abu Qamra area in North Darfur and Kulbus and its surroundings in West Darfur after fierce battles with the RSF.

Ahmed Ibrahim, a survivor who reached Tine, told Sudan Tribune that a large RSF force began launching retaliatory attacks last Wednesday, targeting six villages along the road connecting Ambara locality and Tine.

Ibrahim said the attacks resulted in numerous unconfirmed casualties, the burning of markets and homes, the destruction of water wells, and the looting of livestock. The destruction caused severe water and food shortages, forcing many residents to flee toward Chad on foot.

He identified the targeted villages as Qarboura, Oruwa, Um Marahik, Kourbia, Abu Leiha, and Ana Baji. The areas are primarily inhabited by the Zaghawa ethnic group.

During 2024, the RSF burned more than 20 villages in the Kutum, Ambara, and Karnoi localities, committing grave abuses that included ethnically targeted killings and the detention of dozens. The RSF accuses residents of these areas of supporting the Joint Force.