Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) says it has taken control of the western city of el-Fasher, marking a turning point in the civil war.
The group said in a statement on social media that it had seized el-Fasher “from the grip of mercenaries and militias allied with the terrorist army”.
The loss would be a huge blow to the Sudanese army as el-Fasher is its last remaining foothold in the Darfur region, leaving the RSF effectively in control of the area. The army has yet to comment.
It comes after the rebel group announced the capture of the army’s 6th Division Headquarters, saying that it had destroyed “huge military vehicles” and taken military equipment.
BBC Verify has confirmed the authenticity of videos circulating on social media that show RSF fighters inside the army base.
Local pro-army fighters, the Popular Resistance, accused the RSF of running a “media disinformation campaign” to undermine the “high morale of the forces”.
The RSF has surrounded el-Fasher for the last 18 months, with army positions and civilians under frequent bombardment. An estimated 300,000 people have been trapped by the fighting.
In August, satellite imagery showed a series of extensive earthen walls being constructed around the city, aimed at trapping people inside.
The RSF have been steadily advancing towards the 6th Infantry Division command – widely regarded as the army headquarters in the city – from several directions for weeks.
