Khartoum, June 08 (Darfur24)
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have redeployed troops across key battlefronts and imposed stricter security measures in parts of Darfur and Kordofan following the defection of several senior field commanders to the Sudanese army, informed military sources said on Monday.
The moves come after the recent defections of prominent RSF commanders Al-Nour Al-Qubba and Ali Rizqallah Al-Safna, both of whom have joined the army in recent weeks.
Three military sources within the RSF told Darfur24 that the force withdrew nine combat units from frontline positions in the Kordofan region under orders from its leadership and replaced them with reinforcements deployed from Nyala and El Fasher.
Sources also reported conflicting information regarding the appointment of Brigadier General Jadu Abinchok to oversee operations on the Kordofan battlefronts.
Meanwhile, local sources said groups of fighters arrived in Nyala during the Eid al-Adha holiday aboard combat vehicles previously associated with Ali Rizqallah Al-Safna. The movement reportedly took place in coordination with the RSF leadership.
According to the sources, many members of these units had requested permission to visit their families in the areas of Forbaranga, Umm Dukhn, and El Geneina.
Before his defection, Al-Safna was responsible for RSF military operations in Al-Nahud, Al-Khuwai, Umm Qud, and Samima, where he commanded a large force of fighters.
In North Darfur, residents of Mellit and Malha localities reported that the RSF introduced strict security measures following Al-Nour Al-Qubba’s defection to the army.
Residents said the restrictions include limitations on civilian movement, particularly for young people traveling to and from gold mining areas in the border triangle between Sudan, Libya, and Egypt. Authorities have also reportedly closed transport company offices operating routes to northern Sudan.
According to residents, RSF personnel have additionally been barred from taking combat vehicles into desert areas without prior authorization from military intelligence.
The developments come as both the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces continue military mobilization and preparations for further fighting, amid a worsening humanitarian crisis affecting millions of Sudanese civilians.