Sudan army arrests RSF supporters near al-Dinder

November 7, 2024 (AL-DINDER) – The Sudanese army said on Thursday it had conducted extensive searches in several villages west of Al-Dinder in Sennar state, arresting suspected Rapid Support Forces (RSF) collaborators and recruits.

The army captured Al-Dinder on Oct. 23 after heavy clashes with the RSF, but the paramilitary force has redeployed in villages west of the city in recent days and has been accused of abuses against civilians, including killings and arrests.

Military sources told Sudan Tribune that the army had “carried out extensive combing operations” in the villages of Kamrab, Al-Farish, Abd Al-Banat, Manofli, and Abu Hashim, arresting dozens of people.

The villages are believed to be sympathetic to the RSF, with some residents belonging to the Rizeigat tribe, which has largely sided with the paramilitaries.

The sources said the army had seized several motorcycles and light weapons.

They added that the army continued its advance towards the city of Karkoj in Sennar state and had set up several checkpoints between Wad Al-Abbas and Karkoj.

The RSF captured al-Dinder in early July after clashes with the joint force affiliated with the armed movements allied with the army. It then formed a local government.

The RSF has been accused of widespread abuses against civilians in al-Dinder and its surrounding villages, including killings, displacement, and looting.