Six Sudanese traders were killed by Russian-linked forces operating from the Central African Republic after a cross-border incursion into Sudan’s Darfur region, according to local sources.
Residents in the border town of Um Dafuq told Darfur24 that the forces entered Sudanese territory near Karkar using a helicopter and motorbikes, pursuing traders before opening fire.
The attack left six traders dead, including three from the Taaisha community and three from the Falata, witnesses said.
A survivor told Darfur24 that the group was attacked while resting, adding that he managed to escape before later returning under cover of darkness to find six of his colleagues dead.
The incident is part of a series of similar attacks reported in the Karkar area in recent days. Earlier this week, a trader identified as al-Ghali Suleiman was killed in Donki Omar near Um Dafuq, while two herders were also killed in a separate assault near Karkar on Thursday.
Local sources say Russian forces based in the Central African Republic have intensified patrols along the border, accusing Sudanese traders and herders of crossing into Central African territory while armed.
Since 2023, the border region has been under the control of the Rapid Support Forces, which remain locked in conflict with General al-Burhan’s army.
