Videos of rapid support forces capturing several Egyptian soldiers in Sudan, during clashes with the Sudanese army while verbally insulting them, have raised many questions about the presence of Egyptian troops there. Reports from intelligence sources, which Reuters could not verify, indicated that "the rapid support forces seized several fighter jets belonging to the Egyptian air force and detained their pilots along with Sudanese military weapons and vehicles." The Sudanese army is requesting the intervention of the Egyptian army in Sudan, and the rapid support forces leaked a video showing the assault and humiliation of the Egyptian soldiers in Sudan.
In this context, the Egyptian military spokesman clarified that "his country's forces are present in Sudan to conduct training with Sudanese soldiers," noting that "coordination is taking place with the relevant authorities there to ensure the security of the Egyptian forces." The Egyptian military spokesman released a video showing joint training between the Sudanese army and the Egyptian counterpart in the "Guardians of the Nile" exercises, which began in Sudan with the participation of ground, naval, and air forces from both sides.
Meanwhile, the Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary group in Sudan, stated that they are committed to ensuring the safety of all prisoners they have captured during the fighting against the army. In a statement, they confirmed their full commitment to the safety of all prisoners in their custody since the outbreak of the battles. They mentioned that they are holding a number of Egyptian soldiers who were stationed at the Merowe military base when their forces stormed the base.
In television statements last Saturday, the commander of the Rapid Support Forces, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as "Hemeti," asserted that "his forces are ready to cooperate with Egypt to facilitate the return of the Egyptian soldiers who surrendered to his forces in the city of Merowe." Egypt was preparing to launch "Eagles of the Nile" exercises at the Lieutenant General Awad Khalaf Allah Air Base in Merowe, with the participation of air force units from both countries, as well as Sudanese paratroopers and Egyptian special forces.
Footage taken during the "Eagles of the Nile – 1" exercises between the Egyptian and Sudanese air forces in 2020 showed the presence of Egyptian "MiG-29" fighters at the Sudanese base. The Egyptian and Sudanese naval forces also conducted a joint exercise (SUD-EGY-T-1) in maritime security and addressing unconventional threats, which took place over several days at the naval base in Port Sudan, on April 3rd of this year.
In March 2021, Egypt and Sudan signed a military agreement in Khartoum, attended by the commanders of both armies, who affirmed that the two countries face common threats. They agreed to enhance military and security cooperation between Egypt and Sudan, particularly in areas of joint training, qualification, border security, and the transfer and exchange of military and security expertise. In May 2021, the Egyptian armed forces and their Sudanese counterparts conducted joint military exercises named "Guardians of the Nile," involving ground, naval, air, air defense, and special forces units from both countries.
