{"id":20110348,"date":"2024-12-23T16:36:27","date_gmt":"2024-12-23T15:36:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dabangasudan.org\/?p=20110348"},"modified":"2024-12-23T17:30:09","modified_gmt":"2024-12-23T16:30:09","slug":"sudan-joint-forces-claim-rsf-stronghold-in-north-darfur","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dabangasudan.org\/en\/all-news\/article\/sudan-joint-forces-claim-rsf-stronghold-in-north-darfur","title":{"rendered":"Sudan Joint Forces claim RSF stronghold in North Darfur"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Sudan\u2019s Joint Forces, a coalition of armed movements aligned with the Sudanese Armed Forces, announced the capture of El Zurug, a major paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) stronghold in North Darfur. The operation, which took place on Saturday, reportedly targeted a key military base housing six garrisons. Fierce battles lasting over five hours culminated in the joint force claiming victory, according to reports obtained by Radio Dabanga.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

El Zurug, located near the Sudanese-Libyan-Chadian border triangle, holds immense strategic importance as a vital route for smuggling operations and military logistics. The RSF has reportedly used the area since 2017 to build a military stronghold, forcibly displacing over 140,000 residents to consolidate control. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maj Ahmed Hussein, spokesperson for the joint forces, detailed the scale of the operation<\/a>, revealing that El Zurug\u2019s military base and airport, along with four other bases, had been seized. He alleged that these facilities served as critical hubs for smuggling weapons and personnel into Sudan and functioned as RSF supply routes. Hussein also reported the confiscation of significant quantities of fuel, weapons, and ammunition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Darfur Governor Minni Arko Minawi supported the operation, stating in a post on X<\/a> that it was a response to RSF attacks targeting El Fasher, Zamzam Camp, and Abu Zereiga. Finance Minister Jibril Ibrahim, leader of the Justice and Equality Movement, described El Zurug as the RSF\u2019s “most important stronghold” in North Darfur<\/a> and praised the joint force\u2019s success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The RSF countered on Sunday, claiming they had regained control of El Zurug following a dawn assault. In a statement, the RSF accused the joint forces of committing atrocities, including ethnic cleansing and the deliberate killing of women, children, and the elderly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the paramilitary group, they also alleged that civilian infrastructure, including homes, markets, and water wells, had been deliberately destroyed. Video footage released by the RSF purportedly showed extensive damage, including burnt-out markets and homes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A Tragic Video Documenting the Atrocities in Zuruq – December 21

A heartbreaking video dated December 21 shows soldiers from the Joint Forces and the Sudanese Army, many of whom belong to Minawi and Jibril Ibrahim\u2019s factions operating under the command of Al-Burhan and the de\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/03KODsD4Uq<\/a><\/p>— Yousif Mohammed Awad (@yousifmoeawad) December 22, 2024<\/a><\/blockquote>