Sudanese army allies repel RSF attack in West Darfur

August 8, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – The Joint Force of armed movements allied with the Sudanese army repelled a major attack by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on the strategic area of Bir Saliba in West Darfur state, Darfur Governor Minni Minnawi said on Saturday.

The assault marks the second attempt in less than a week by the RSF to take control of Bir Saliba. A prior attempt on Tuesday resulted in the death of the RSF operational commander for far northwestern Darfur, Mahdi Jebel Moon.

In a statement posted on Facebook, Minnawi said RSF troops launched a two-pronged attack from Kulbus to the north and Soleia to the south in an attempt to encircle allied positions in Bir Saliba.

Minnawi, who heads the Sudan Liberation Movement faction within the Joint Force, praised army troops and allied fighters for breaking the encirclement attempt and repelling the attack.

Fighters from the Joint Force published video footage on social media platforms showing defeated RSF units and destroyed military vehicles following the clash.

The International Organization for Migration reported Thursday that 6,650 people were displaced on Aug. 4 from 11 villages in Sirba locality following escalating insecurity and clashes around Bir Saliba.

Sirba locality, located approximately 40 kilometres from the West Darfur capital of El Geneina, has seen repeated battles as the Joint Force seeks to block RSF advances toward Tine and northern Darfur, while the RSF considers the area a key defence perimeter for El Geneina.

The RSF previously committed severe abuses in Sirba during a violent campaign against West Darfur communities in July 2023, actions that the United States designated as genocide against the Masalit ethnic group.