Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) said on Sunday they had captured General al-Burhan’s army (SAF) 6th Division headquarters in the North Darfur capital El Fasher, calling the advance a “decisive turning point” in the war.
In a statement, the RSF claimed “full control” of the base after what it described as fierce battles that “shattered” SAF defenses, and said its fighters had destroyed equipment and inflicted heavy casualties.
The RSF framed the move as part of a broader campaign to “liberate” Darfur and pledged to coordinate with the allied “TASIS” (Founding) administration on civilian protection, aid delivery and facilitating returns of displaced residents.
The SAF did not immediately comment. Communications from El Fasher were limited. The city has been a critical stronghold for the SAF and allied groups during months of fighting across Darfur.
The RSF cast the capture as a step toward a “New Sudan” based on “freedom, justice and equality,” language it has used throughout the conflict. It also dedicated the advance to “martyrs” and vowed to continue operations until it had expelled what it called remnants of the “Islamic Movement” from the country.
Analysts say control of El Fasher — a humanitarian hub and the last major Darfuri city long contested — would carry strategic and symbolic weight, potentially reshaping front lines and aid access. Immediate humanitarian implications were unclear.
