{"id":20057229,"date":"2023-10-26T13:19:00","date_gmt":"2023-10-26T11:19:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dabangasudan.org\/?p=20057229"},"modified":"2023-10-30T10:37:08","modified_gmt":"2023-10-30T09:37:08","slug":"major-south-darfur-army-base-falls-to-rsf","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dabangasudan.org\/en\/all-news\/article\/major-south-darfur-army-base-falls-to-rsf","title":{"rendered":"Major South Darfur army base falls to RSF"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) claim to have taken full control of the major base of the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) 16th Infantry Division in Nyala, capital of South Darfur, this morning, after fierce clashes that lasted for three days. The occupation, reportedly under the leadership of RSF Deputy Commander Abdelrahim Dagalo, the brother of RSF commander \u2018Hemedti\u2019, has been confirmed by witnesses, including the Darfur Bar Association, that calls on the public \u201cto seek peaceful means\u2026 to avoid further devastation and destruction\u201d.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a statement this morning, the RSF say they have taken \u201ccomplete control\u2019 of the crucial 16th Infantry Division base in Nyala. The RSF also claims to have \u201cinflicted heavy losses on the army, destroyed many military vehicles, and seized military equipment\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speaking to Radio Dabanga from Nyala, one of the RSF field commanders reported that his forces stormed the Division HQ, after having besieged it for three days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Radio Dabanga has approached the SAF, but has not received any comment at time of posting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RSF control of Nyala potentially has deep implications for the balance of power in the ongoing conflict, as it is the largest city in the Darfur region, and the largest city and commercial centre in Sudan after Khartoum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The RSF occupation of the base seems to be corroborated in a statement by the Darfur Bar Association (DBA) this morning, that says that the Nyala garrison \u201cis in the grip of RSF deputy commander, and brother of RSF Commander \u2018Hemedti\u2019, Abdelrahim Dagalo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The DBA \u201ccontinue to warn all parties of the devastating consequences of the situation.\u201d The DBA especially cites \u201cparallels with the Libyan model of governance with Khalifa Haftar<\/a>\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Siege<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As reported by Radio Dabanga yesterday, fierce battles raged between SAF and RSF forces near the 16th<\/sup> Infantry Division HQ, with RSF claims that they were \u201cpoised to seize control\u201d of the base. control of the army headquarters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Residents in Nyala reported that the clashes commenced on Monday afternoon following an RSF attack. They also reported heavy casualties and \u201cincidents of looting\u201d along El Kongo Street in the South Darfur capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yesterday, an RSF field commander, who chose to remain anonymous, told Radio Dabanga that the RSF has \u201csuccessfully secured control over the warehouse, the medical corps, and the fourth regiment in Nyala\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The paramilitary forces reportedly control several neighbourhoods that were previously under SAF control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sudan War Monitor<\/em> geolocated videos<\/a> filmed by RSF fighters, \u201cwhich show that they captured SAF positions outside the military hospital, and the hospital itself, which is less than one kilometre north of the 16th Infantry Division, as well as a military fuel depot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cRSF also advanced to the Nyala television and radio, east of the divisional headquarters, according to video of their troops at that location\u201d, the independent monitoring platform reported.<\/p>\n