Darfur Joint Force says they repelled RSF attack on El Fasher

February 2, 2025 (EL FASHER) – Forces allied with the Sudanese army said on Sunday they had repelled an attack by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, as fighting intensified despite renewed calls from the UN Security Council for a ceasefire.

Ahmed Hussein Mustafa, a spokesman for the joint force of armed groups fighting alongside the army, said the RSF attacked El Fasher from three directions, targeting a reservoir, residential areas, and camps for displaced people. He said the attackers were met with strong resistance from the joint force, the army, and local defence groups.

Mustafa claimed 140 RSF fighters and foreign mercenaries were killed, 43 military vehicles destroyed, and 12 captured. Reuters could not independently verify the claims.

The RSF has been trying to seize El Fasher, the army’s last major stronghold in Darfur, since May 10. The UN Security Council on Saturday called for an immediate halt to RSF attacks on the city and an end to the months-long siege.

Mustafa said RSF fighters were increasingly appearing on foot, some using donkeys and horses, and many appeared to be under the influence of drugs. He asserted that the RSF was disintegrating and incapable of taking El Fasher or any other city.

The RSF has moved military equipment and reinforcements from Libya to the North Darfur desert to attack El Fasher, while the army and its allies have sent reinforcements from Khartoum, which are expected to arrive within days, Mustafa said.

The conflict between the army and the RSF, which erupted in April 2023, has caused a humanitarian crisis and displaced millions.