Sudanese army says foreign fighters captured in Omdurman

March 31, 2024 (OMDURMAN) – The Sudanese army (SAF) announced on Sunday the capture of foreign fighters during the March 12th battle for the Omdurman radio and television buildings.

The RSF had controlled the state media headquarters since the conflict began in April 2023. However, on March 12, the SAF successfully recaptured the facilities, removing the RSF from the area.

In press statements, Lieutenant Colonel Abdalbagi Al-Tayeb Abdel Rahim, a military intelligence officer, revealed that captured fighters included South Sudanese fighters trained in heavy and medium artillery and Chadian minors.

The SAF emphasized that all prisoners, including minors, will be treated according to international law and are currently receiving medical and psychological care due to their “poor condition marked by fear, shock, and hunger.”

The military presented a group of seven captured fighters to reporters – four South Sudanese and three Chadians. All claimed they were taken during the radio and television battle. Sudan Tribune observed injured prisoners receiving medical attention under military supervision.

South Sudanese prisoner Lual Ajo stated he joined the RSF in June 2023 and specialized in operating 120mm cannons. Chadian prisoner Zakaria, only 16 years old, reported being promised money for joining the RSF, which he never received.

Some other prisoners claimed to be South Sudanese civilians living near Khartoum whom the RSF forced to fight.

Reports indicate the captured fighters were part of a larger group of 51 South Sudanese and 27 Chadian fighters brought to the radio and television buildings before the battle.

(ST)