RSF Seize Mustariha After Fierce Clashes with Musa Hilal’s Forces

On Monday, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched a large-scale attack from several directions on the Mustariha desert in North Darfur State, the main stronghold of Musa Hilal, leader of the Mahamid tribe and head of the Revolutionary Awakening Council, known for his allegiance to the Sudanese army.

The ground offensive came hours after the area was bombed by drones on Sunday evening, amid escalating tensions between the two sides following the killing of advisor Hamid Ali Abu Bakr earlier this year near Zalingei.

Sources reported that the attacking force was led by the brothers of the deceased advisor, and that the clashes were fierce, with the use of heavy and medium weapons, resulting in casualties on both sides.

The Revolutionary Awakening Council forces stationed in Mustariha initially repelled the first attack, supported by Sudanese army drones, before the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched a counter-attack with reinforcements, enabling them to penetrate deeper into the desert and seize control of the area.

Meanwhile, fighters affiliated with the RSF circulated videos on social media showing their presence inside Mustariha. One of them was seen brandishing a piece of military uniform, claiming it belonged to Musa Hilal’s son, indicating an escalation of the conflict within the stronghold of the Mahamid tribe.