Sudanese military gains ground in western Darfur

Sudanese military-led forces and allied groups have made strategic gains in western Darfur, repelling successive attacks by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the Bir Saliba region. Located approximately 30km north of el-Geneina, Bir Saliba serves as a critical junction of roads linking the West Darfur capital to the northwest, including Jebel Moon and Kulbus.

Darfur Regional Governor Minni Arko Minnawi reported that the Joint Force of the Armed Struggle Movements—a coalition of former rebel groups fighting alongside the army—thwarted an RSF attempt to encircle the area. Minnawi also stated that Major General Mahdi Adam, a prominent RSF field commander known as ‘Jebel Moon’, was killed during the fighting.

Government-aligned forces have also attempted to disrupt RSF supply lines by seizing control of desert routes and crossings along the border with Chad, signaling a potential shift in the conflict toward el-Geneina.