Joint force seizes strategic RSF base in North Darfur

December 21, 2024 (WADI HOUR) – A joint force led by Darfur Governor Mini Arko Minawi said on Saturday it had seized control of al-Zurq, a strategic area in North  Darfur state previously used as a key base by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Al-Zurq, a remote area in North Darfur, sits at the intersection of Sudan, Chad, and Libya. According to local sources, the RSF has developed the area since 2017, building infrastructure including schools, hospitals, and large military camps and having also begun constructing an airport.

Following the outbreak of conflict in Sudan on April 15, 2023, al-Zurq became a crucial point for receiving supplies believed to be sent to the RSF by the United Arab Emirates via Chad and Libya. The Sudanese Air Force had previously targeted the base in attempts to disrupt these supply lines.

“Fierce battles fought by the Joint Force in northern Darfur lasted five hours and ended with the removal of all RSF positions protecting the al-Zurq base,” Minawi told Sudan Tribune. “Now the RSF has lost a major supply line linking it to Libya.”

Minawi said the RSF had taken control of al-Zurq in 2017 with the support of then-President Omar al-Bashir’s regime. According to local accounts, the Zaghawa tribe considers the area part of its traditional territory.

Videos seen by Sudan Tribune showed members of the Joint Force displaying an RSF armoured vehicle at the al-Zurq base.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Minawi said: “The Joint Force… responded forcefully to these usurpers and perpetrators of crimes against humanity.” He added, “Since 2017, there have been continuous efforts to reclaim the areas subjected to attacks… The Joint Force only responds to those who assault women and kill children.”

Fighting between the Joint Force and the RSF renewed early on Saturday in the desert of northern Darfur, concentrating around Bir Marqi, Wadi Hour, and al-Zurq. Sudanese army warplanes also participated, targeting RSF positions with barrel bombs, according to military sources who spoke to Sudan Tribune.

The clashes in northern Darfur are linked to the ongoing fighting in El Fasher, which began last May between the army and allied armed groups.

Sudan Tribune was unable to verify all details of the fighting independently. There was no immediate comment from the RSF.