Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) said Friday that its fighters had captured three strategically important areas in North Darfur following clashes with Sudan’s military and allied armed groups.
RSF spokesman Al-Fatih Al-Qurashi identified the areas as Mazbad, Aruri and Kamo, saying the latest operations had forced opposing forces to withdraw from their positions.
In a statement reported by Erem News, Al-Qurashi said RSF fighters had repelled an offensive by Sudanese military units and allied armed movements before taking control of the three locations.
He claimed the opposing forces suffered casualties and equipment losses during the fighting.
The RSF also reported seizing military vehicles, weapons and ammunition, although Al-Qurashi said an inventory of captured equipment was still being compiled.
The battlefield claims could not be independently verified. There was no immediate independently confirmed account of the fighting or territorial changes from Sudan’s military.
Strategic importance of desert routes
The reported advances could strengthen the RSF’s ability to move forces and equipment across parts of North Darfur, where control of desert routes has become increasingly important to military operations.
Political analyst Ihab Madbo told Erem News that the three locations occupy areas linked to movement corridors and supply routes connecting settlements and border regions.
He said control of the territory could give the RSF greater freedom to deploy fighters, transport military equipment and maintain communications between positions.
Such gains, if consolidated, could also force opposing groups to reconsider their defensive deployments.
Madbo said territorial control could influence future political negotiations because military positions and access to strategic routes shape the balance of power between the parties.
His assessment was based on the reported RSF advances, which have not been independently established.
RSF pledges protection for civilians
Al-Qurashi said the force would continue operations against remaining military and allied positions in the region.
He also pledged that RSF units would maintain security, protect civilians and work to restore essential services, including access to drinking water and medical treatment.
The extent to which services have been restored in the newly claimed areas remains unclear.
North Darfur has experienced repeated military offensives, drone attacks and population displacement during Sudan’s conflict.
Humanitarian access remains difficult in several parts of the region, with fighting and damaged infrastructure complicating the delivery of essential supplies.
The RSF’s latest announcement comes amid continued competition for territorial control in Darfur and neighbouring regions, as both sides seek to consolidate their positions ahead of any potential negotiations.
