Sirba, January 18 (Darfur24)
The Chadian government announced Thursday that seven soldiers from its defense and security forces were killed in an armed clash with elements of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) after they crossed into Chadian territory from Sudan.
Chadian government spokesperson Qassim Sharif said Chadian forces confronted “Rapid Support Forces involved in the Sudanese internal conflict” who had illegally entered Chad and carried out an armed operation inside its territory.
He explained that Chadian forces ordered the infiltrating group to withdraw and return across the border. Still, the standoff escalated into a clash that resulted in the deaths of seven Chadian soldiers.
Sources told Darfur24 that the armed group belonged to the RSF and had recently participated in battles in the Jarjira area, south of the border town of Al-Tina, where fighting has taken place between the RSF, the Sudanese army, and allied joint forces.
Informed sources also reported that contacts were later established between RSF commanders and Chadian security officials. During these communications, the RSF pledged not to repeat the incident and to hold those involved accountable for their actions.
The same sources said the RSF claimed to have received information alleging that Chadian military vehicles had taken part in fighting in Jarjira inside Sudanese territory. Both sides reportedly agreed to curb violations by their forces and prevent further border incidents.
The confrontation comes amid rising security tensions along the Sudan–Chad border, as the conflict in Sudan continues to generate regional instability.