Serba, July 07 (Darfur24)
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have deployed large military reinforcements around the town of Kulbus in West Darfur State, raising fears of a renewed offensive as residents continue to flee and uncertainty surrounds the military situation inside the town.
Multiple sources told Darfur24 that the RSF has repositioned its forces along three main axes around Kulbus in what they described as an effort to encircle the town ahead of a possible military operation.
According to the sources, one RSF force has deployed near Tendelti, west of Serba locality, with plans to advance toward Bir Salbiya, an area that has recently seen activity by forces allied with the Joint Force. A second contingent has been positioned north of Jebel Moon, while a third has taken up positions southeast of Kulbus.
The sources said additional reinforcements continue to arrive on the outskirts of the town, suggesting the RSF could launch an assault within the next two days.
Inside Kulbus, local sources said most residents have fled in recent days, leaving markets and streets largely deserted. They estimated that around 30 military vehicles belonging to the Sudanese army and the Joint Force remain stationed inside the town.
One resident told Darfur24 that several homes and government buildings had been looted, adding that properties belonging to individuals perceived to be affiliated with the RSF were among those most heavily targeted.
An employee of an international humanitarian organization said the agency had received reports that the offices of two international organizations in Kulbus had been looted, although the extent of the damage or losses has not yet been confirmed.
Meanwhile, the fate of detainees previously held by the Joint Force remains unclear. Sources said more than 50 people—including community leaders, village sheikhs, local administrators and former Kulbus locality officials—were transferred to Al-Tina following the recent fighting.
The sources also said one RSF fighter captured during the clashes later appeared in a video alongside Joint Force members before being released after his family reportedly paid money to secure his freedom. Darfur24 could not independently verify the claim.
The RSF has not commented on the reported military buildup or the allegations contained in this report.