Damazin, January 15 (Darfur24)
Security authorities in Damazin, Blue Nile State, have tightened restrictions on civilian movement and public activity, with a joint security cell expanding arrests under emergency law, sources said.
An informed source, speaking to Darfur24 on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said the security cell, comprising the General Intelligence Service, Security Police, Special Operations Forces, Military Intelligence, Military Police, and General Police, has expanded arrests of civilians accused of cooperating or spying for the Rapid Support Forces.
The source added that several activists and volunteers have previously been detained, while others were forced to leave the state to avoid arrest.
Meanwhile, a Damazin resident told Darfur24 that security committees have imposed monitoring systems across neighborhoods, requiring daily reports on new arrivals, departing residents, and their employment activities. He said administrative and executive procedures for civilians now require clearance from the security cell, which operates under emergency law renewed every three months by Blue Nile Governor Ahmed Al-Umda Badi.
A military source in Blue Nile State acknowledged the strict security measures, attributing them to alleged infiltration by Rapid Support Forces elements into several cities, accusing them of providing coordinates for drone attacks on military and public facilities in recent months.
The source said the security cell operates under the supervision of the Public Prosecution, stressing that arrests and detentions are carried out through official legal procedures.
Last week, the Sudanese army launched airstrikes on the Yabus area south of Damazin, resulting in casualties, according to a statement by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu.
Meanwhile, the army has deployed additional military reinforcements to Blue Nile State following reports that the Rapid Support Forces and allied groups may be preparing to launch an attack on the region.