Al-Daein, February 03 (Darfur24)
Armed clashes between rival elements of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the Khazan Jadid area of Sha’iriya locality, East Darfur State, resulted in the death of an RSF commander and several others on Monday, local sources said.
The sources told Darfur24 that a group affiliated with RSF spokesperson Al-Fatih Qureshi arrested individuals wanted within the force, acting on instructions from the Shartai (traditional leader) of the Khazan Jadid area, Mohammed Jaafar Karam Al-Din.
They said the arrests prompted a retaliatory attack by another RSF group affiliated with the second RSF commander in Sha’iriya locality, who stormed the Shartai’s residence, triggering armed clashes between the two groups.
According to the sources, the fighting led to the death of the second RSF commander in Khazan Jadid, Mohammed Abu al-Qasim, known as “Doli,” along with several others. The fate of the Shartai and two of his sons remains unknown.
The clashes spread panic among unarmed civilians and led to the closure of the local market, in addition to the disruption of communications services. Sources said there were no visible efforts to contain the situation.
Khazan Jadid has been experiencing severe security and humanitarian conditions due to repeated security breakdowns, further worsening civilian suffering.
The area hosts approximately 80,000 displaced people who recently fled from the Zamzam, Abu Shouk, and Tawila camps, as well as from several neighborhoods in El Fasher, amid a near-total absence of humanitarian organizations and basic services.