Sudan’s RSF arrests dozens in Nyala after air strikes

December 11, 2024 (NYALA) – The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) arrested dozens of people in Nyala, the capital of South Darfur, on Tuesday, accusing them of providing coordinates for air strikes conducted by Sudan’s army the previous day, sources told Sudan Tribune.

Monday’s strikes on Nyala, which is under RSF control, killed a number of civilians and caused widespread damage, including to the airport, the sources said.

RSF intelligence officers detained civilians in several locations across Nyala, including at the El Geneina bus station, after accusing them of helping the army target the strikes, the sources said.

An army source said the air force had destroyed a large part of Nyala International Airport, including the main runway, control towers and a jamming site.

Military sources and residents near the airport said a large cargo plane had been making regular landings to unload weapons and ammunition before taking off with wounded RSF fighters.

The airport had been partially damaged in previous air strikes but was repaired by the RSF.

The strikes also hit a former helipad for the U.N. peacekeeping mission in Darfur (UNAMID), completely destroying it, the sources said.

A camp for the Central Reserve Police, the headquarters of the traffic police and the finance ministry were also hit. Those locations were being used to store weapons as the strikes caused large explosions and fires.

The army also targeted the “Andar” camp, which housed a large number of RSF reservists who were due to be transferred to El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, the sources said. An RSF training camp in Jebel “Kalwa”, northeast of Beliel locality, was also hit.

The RSF imposed tight security measures in Nyala, preventing civilians from accessing areas that were struck.