Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on Friday announced on X that it had successfully repelled an assault by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and allied mercenaries connected to the former regime in al Fasher, North Darfur.
The multi-directional attack aimed at RSF positions breached defenses, resulting in significant civilian casualties in residential areas and IDP camps, prompting the evacuation of thousands, the group said.
Despite facing aggression from SAF-aligned factions, RSF forces in al Fasher have consistently honored the ceasefire agreement with armed movements, RSF said.
“In response to calls from civil administrations, regional leaders, and both local and international organizations, the RSF Command has made the preservation of civilian lives the utmost priority. Demonstrating extreme restraint, our forces have successfully repelled a total of 22 attacks in recent days.”
RSF underlined it remained committed to defending against any aggression by the SAF and its “terror-driven mercenaries from the former regime.”
Despite refraining from advancing on the city center since last March, RSF continues to face daily attacks that compromise civilian safety and exploit IDPs as shields, the group added.
Sudan has been mired by fighting between the army, led by Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who is the head of the ruling Sovereign Council, and the RSF.
At least 13,900 people have been killed and more than eight million displaced in the conflict that started in April 2023, according to UN figures.
Several cease-fire agreements brokered by Saudi Arabia and US mediators have failed to end the violence.
