Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announced over the week-end that they had taken full control of the strategic border town of Al-Tina in western Sudan.
In a press statement, the RSF said it had established “full control” over the town and pledged to protect civilians, secure vital installations, facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance, and restore essential services, particularly in the water and health sectors.
However, Türkiye’s semi-official Anadolu Agency reported that the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and allied joint forces had repelled the RSF’s attack, presenting a conflicting account of developments on the ground.
Al-Tina, located along the Sudan–Chad border, is a significant flashpoint in the ongoing conflict between the SAF and the RSF. The town serves as an important hub for the Zaghawa community and has historically functioned as a corridor and staging ground for military operations. It is also a key commercial centre linking Sudan with Chad and Libya.
Sudanese political analyst Abdul-Rahim Al-Sunni told Xinhua that the RSF’s move to seize Al-Tina “could mark a turning point in the course of operations”, potentially enabling the group to redeploy forces to other fronts.
The protracted conflict between the SAF and the RSF has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced millions across Sudan.
