The governor of the Darfur region announced that the "Rapid Support Forces are following a policy of 'scorched earth' in al-Fasher." He stated that the Rapid Support Forces are randomly and intentionally bombing civilian areas in al-Fasher. Clashes have renewed between the Sudanese army, supported by armed movements, and the Rapid Support Forces in al-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state, during which all types of weapons have been used, resulting in civilian casualties.
A senior leader in the joint forces indicated that "their troops on the frontlines east of al-Fasher conducted a sudden attack on the positions of the Rapid Support Forces at Al-Manhal School and the stock market, as well as the Electricity neighborhood, inflicting heavy losses in lives and military equipment, forcing them to retreat." He clarified that the attack came after intelligence information indicated that the Rapid Support Forces had completed preparations to attack al-Fasher from the eastern part on Friday, after thousands of fighters and militias from various Arab tribes from Darfur states joined them.
However, a field commander in the Rapid Support Forces claimed that their forces managed to inflict a significant defeat on the army and its allied armed movements. Eyewitnesses reported that intense ground clashes took place between the parties in the neighborhoods of Al-Safaa, Al-Jil, and Al-Masani, during which heavy weapons were used, leading to several casualties who were transported to al-Fasher South Hospital.
Citizens accused the Rapid Support Forces of shelling populated neighborhoods in the west of the city, causing severe damage to several homes, in addition to targeting the al-Fasher Children's Hospital with artillery shells, which led to patients fleeing the medical facility. Social media pages supportive of the army broadcast videos showing celebrations by some citizens with army soldiers who showcased three vehicles seized during the day's battles.
The joint forces affiliated with the armed movements that signed the Juba Peace Agreement are responsible for securing large parts of the city of al-Fasher and are preparing with the Sudanese army to confront a comprehensive attack expected from the Rapid Support Forces.
