Sudan's RSF Regains Control of Key Base

Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) regained control of the strategic al-Zurug base in North Darfur on Sunday, a day after it was captured by Joint Forces allied with the Sudanese army. The al-Zurug base has served as a key logistical hub for the RSF, facilitating supply routes from Chad and Libya since the onset of conflict in April 2023. Fierce battles reportedly resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with the Joint Forces alleging that the RSF conducted ethnic cleansing and targeted civilians during the previous day's assault. The RSF countered these claims by accusing the Joint Forces of committing atrocities, including the destruction of civilian infrastructure. Analysts warn that the escalating violence and accusations could exacerbate ethnic tensions in the region, particularly between the Arab tribes supporting the RSF and the Zaghawa tribe aligned with the Joint Forces. The ongoing conflict has already led to over 782 civilian deaths in North Darfur, highlighting the dire humanitarian situation.