Zalingei, July 20 (Darfur24)
Armed men in four-wheel-drive vehicles, wearing uniforms resembling those of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), have been looting civilian vehicles along the road linking Zalingei in Central Darfur State with Kass in South Darfur State, local sources said on Sunday.
Sources told Darfur24 that the gunmen are operating near the Qahwa Laban area on the Jalaksi road, where they have stopped and robbed several vehicles, including passenger cars and trucks transporting fuel barrels from Adikonq in West Darfur State.
The sources said the attacks mainly occur at night, raising fears among travelers who rely on the route.
A security official told Darfur24 that the recent insecurity coincides with the removal of military checkpoints that had been stationed along the road. According to the official, the checkpoints were dismantled on the orders of RSF commanders.
The official said the checkpoints had helped secure the route while also collecting nominal fees from passing vehicles.
In recent months, many travelers have opted to use the Zalingei–Nyala road at night to reduce the risk of being targeted by military drone strikes, which have previously hit vehicles on the route, including civilian cars.