Khartoum, December 24 (Darfur24)
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been mobilizing large numbers of fighters and military equipment over the past three days on the outskirts of the towns of Karnoi and Al-Tina, as well as areas northwest of Kutum, raising fears of an imminent attack, according to sources.
The towns of Al-Tina, Karnoi, and Ambro—located northwest of El Fasher—remain under the control of the Sudanese army and allied joint forces. They are considered the last major strongholds of the army and joint force in Darfur, following the RSF’s takeover of most of the region, except parts of Jebel Marra controlled by the Sudan Liberation Army led by Abdul Wahid Mohamed Nour.
A military source in Al-Tina told Darfur24 that the army and joint force have reinforced their positions by deploying additional fighters to Karnoi, Ambro, Jarjira south of Al-Tina, and the Abu Qumra area, in preparation for any potential RSF assault.
The source said RSF forces have already seized several villages west of Kutum and have advanced toward Abu Qumra, which has been under joint force control since October.
A local leader in Karnoi said residents have begun fleeing toward neighboring Chad amid reports of an impending RSF attack on Karnoi, Al-Tina, and Ambro.
He added that RSF commander Abdullah Shagab circulated messages in the local language warning residents against sheltering joint force fighters, and threatened that RSF forces would sweep through the area within a week.
According to the source, both sides have mobilized large numbers of troops and vehicles, while popular resistance groups and civilians remain on high alert amid fears of renewed fighting.
A video filmed by a local shepherd and verified by Darfur24 showed large numbers of military vehicles moving in areas northwest of Kutum, with warnings issued against the advance of RSF forces toward Karnoi.
In a separate development, Darfur Governor Minni Arko Minawi published an audio message on his Facebook page, addressing residents of North Darfur in the local language. He described the situation as “a moment of land, dignity, and self-defense,” calling on people to remain united and defend their areas.
“Land that is not protected by its people is stolen, and dignity that is not defended is lost,” Minawi said.