Minawi claims decisive victory over RSF in North Darfur

October 3, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) – Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) leader Minni Minawi declared a major victory against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in North Darfur on Thursday, claiming the elimination of elite RSF units in fierce fighting north of the state capital, El Fasher.

Clashes erupted on Oct. 1 in the Al-Malha locality, with the SLM-aligned joint force engaging RSF troops near the towns of Madu, Al-Sayaah, and Taqabo. The joint force paraded captured and destroyed RSF vehicles as evidence of their success, while the RSF claimed to have neutralized a mobile unit belonging to the armed movements.

Minawi, who also governs the Darfur region, told Sudan Tribune that the 12-hour battle in Al-Sayaah “completely eliminated the RSF elite forces in North Darfur state.” He asserted that the joint force, positioned near Mellit and Al-Sayaah to secure humanitarian aid routes, was targeted by a large RSF contingent mobilized from Khartoum and North Kordofan, comprising some 600 combat vehicles, including armoured units.

“The RSF’s plan was to eliminate this force and then invade El Fasher,” Minawi stated, adding that the RSF laid ambushes before being engaged by six joint force units. “We eliminated four groups during the battle while two groups fled.”

According to Minawi, the strategic importance of Al-Sayaah and Mellit lies in their connection to Libya and the city of Al-Dabah in northern Sudan. He believes that one more decisive battle could break the RSF siege of Al-Fasher, which has been in place since April.

However, reports of the fighting remain conflicting. While the joint force claims a definitive win, the RSF insists it maintains control of the northern areas.

The RSF has besieged El Fasher since April, launching a major offensive in May to seize the city, one of the last strongholds of the central government in Darfur. The army and its allied armed movements continue to defend the city.