Clashes have erupted in the Al Qaraqif area of rural Khashm Al Girba in eastern Sudan, near the border with Eritrea, following an altercation between local residents and a force tasked with combating smuggling, according to local sources.
The incident reportedly began when an anti smuggling unit pursued a person suspected of transporting goods towards the border. The chase extended into a residential neighbourhood, prompting objections from residents and leading to a limited confrontation.
Local sources said the situation escalated further, resulting in unrest that included the burning of the force’s camp and heightened security tensions in the area.
Ali Omar Mohamed, a prominent figure from eastern Sudan, said in remarks circulated online that conducting pursuit operations inside residential areas poses serious risks to civilians. He argued that the handling of the incident lacked sufficient risk assessment and contributed to escalating the situation rather than containing it.
He added that another force later entered the local market and carried out search operations, during which, according to his account, verbal and physical abuses were directed at some residents. This further inflamed tensions and led residents to target the force’s camp.
Mohamed stressed that the situation requires a calm and measured response, warning against steps that could deepen tensions. He called for restraint and the protection of stability in sensitive border areas, according to media.
