Central Sudan State deploys security forces to limit RSF incursions
October 14, 2023 (WAD MADANI) – Authorities in Al-Jazira State, central Sudan, deployed a large security presence Saturday in areas bordering Khartoum State to limit incursions and harassment operations by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The paramilitary RSF has troops stationed in some villages in Al-Jazira State, located on the western road connecting it to Khartoum State, particularly in the areas of Al-Masid, Al-Nuba, and Al-Jadid Al-Thawra.
An internal report by the agricultural department of the Al-Jazeera Scheme, dated October 10 and obtained by Sudan Tribune, indicated that the northwestern section of the project has become an unsafe area due to RSF’s encroachments and looting operations. The report detailed an attack on the official responsible for the Al-Guaz area and the looting of a vehicle.
Al-Jazira’s acting governor, Ismail Al-Aqib, announced on Saturday that significant military reinforcements have been dispatched to the northern and eastern parts of the state and the northwestern side of the scheme to clear these areas of any presence of rebel militias.
Al-Aqib stated that government forces are actively working to establish security in these areas and will conduct comprehensive border surveys of areas adjacent to Khartoum State, which RSF elements have recently attacked.
He further downplayed the attacks carried out by RSF against some villages in the state, adding, “The rebels’ attacks aim to intimidate civilians, steal and loot, and then escape.”
The governor reassured the state’s residents of the army’s readiness to respond to any potential aggression by paramilitary forces against the state. He pointed out that RSF, through social media, are spreading panic and terror among citizens by posting pictures and videos from various locations in the state that do not accurately represent the real situation.
On October 7, the RSF field commander, Abu Aqla Kikal, threatened to invade Madani in a video message near the town of Al-Aidj in an eastern Al-Jazira locality.
However, the day after, the army released a video showing its soldiers positioned at the same location near the entrance to Al-Aidj where Kikal delivered his message.
(ST)