RSF regains control of strategic West Darfur town after army pullback

July 10, 2026 (KULBUS) – The joint forces allied with the Sudanese army withdrew from the town of Kulbus in West Darfur State on Friday, leaving the remote area under the control of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The withdrawal comes after the joint forces had maintained control over the strategic border area near Chad for approximately ten days.

Sources told Sudan Tribune that the allied forces chose to reposition outside of Kulbus, moving their weaponry across the Chadian border. Following the pullback, RSF supporters circulated video footage online showing their forces re-establishing control over the town.

The RSF had heavily reinforced its military presence around Kulbus over the past two days. Analysts anticipated a major ground assault to recapture the town, which the joint forces had initially seized on June 29.

Kulbus, located 130 kilometres north of the West Darfur capital of El Geneina, is the historical stronghold of the Moon tribe sultanate.

During the initial expansion of the RSF in West Darfur after war broke out in 2023, local leaders successfully negotiated an agreement that temporarily spared the town from attacks, even as surrounding areas fell. However, the RSF ultimately seized Kulbus in October 2024.

The border region has recently seen a series of territorial shifts between the warring factions. Similar clashes and changes in control have been reported in the Am Baru, Tina, and Karnoi areas of northwestern North Darfur near the Chadian border.

The joint forces had briefly retaken Kulbus following fierce clashes, ending nearly two years of RSF dominance. In response, the RSF mobilized significant reinforcements to Kulbus and other sectors, including Saraf Omra and Kabkabiya in North Darfur, alongside movements toward Abu Liha, Abu Qamra, and Wadi Sira.