An armed coalition of the SLM and GLFS clashed with the Chadian army on February 8, 2025, in a conflict resulting in 19 casualties. The confrontation in the tri-border area led to the capture of two commanders and significant military losses, including fatalities among Chadian soldiers and the destruction of military vehicles. The Neutral Force to Protect Civilians, established to protect civilians in Darfur, reported a communication failure with the Chadian government, which resulted in the attack.
On February 8, 2025, an armed coalition of the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM), led by Abdel Wahid Nur, and the Gathering of Liberation Forces of Sudan (GLFS), under Tahir Hajar, engaged in conflict with the Chadian army after apparently entering Chad. This confrontation resulted in 19 fatalities and several injuries, along with the capture of two commanders, according to military sources shared with Sudan Tribune.
The skirmish occurred in a strategically significant tri-border area connecting Sudan, Libya, and Chad, prompting considerable military actions. Reports indicate that six Chadian soldiers were killed, approximately 13 others were wounded, and the Chadian army lost three military vehicles in the conflict, while the two captured commanders were later taken to Amdjarass, a town in Chad.
The Neutral Force to Protect Civilians (NFPC) was recently established on January 12 after military discussions between the two movements, aiming to safeguard civilians and provide humanitarian assistance in Darfur. The NFPC claimed to be coordinating its operations with the Chadian government along the north-western border and emphasized its mission of civilian protection that began in January.
The armed alliance claimed that a breakdown in communication with the Chadian government led to the unexpected attacks on its forces by the Chadian border protection unit, resulting in casualties and troop captures. The NFPC subsequently apologized to the Chadian authorities for this failure and requested the release of captured individuals and the return of their vehicles and personal belongings.
In a separate encounter on January 16, the NFPC faced heavy losses due to an attack from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) near Kabkabiya in North Darfur, which resulted in significant civilian and military casualties, along with the destruction of military hardware. The tri-border region is continuing to witness heightened conflict due to active RSF movements of military assets from Libya into Sudan, raising serious concerns about stability in the area.
The recent armed conflict involving the Chadian army and the Darfur groups highlighted ongoing regional instability in the tri-border area of Sudan, Libya, and Chad. The Chadian army’s engagement with the Sudan Liberation Movement and the Gathering of Liberation Forces comes amid heightened military activity from paramilitary forces known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The establishment of the Neutral Force to Protect Civilians signifies a development in efforts to manage ongoing humanitarian issues and security challenges in Darfur, as groups collaborate to provide aid to affected populations while managing military confrontations.
In summary, the clash between the Chadian army and the Darfur alliance underscores the intricate security challenges in the tri-border area. The rise in violence and military operations reflects ongoing tensions involving various armed groups, particularly the RSF. Efforts for cooperation between the NFPC and the Chadian government may be crucial in addressing civilian protection and humanitarian needs, particularly after the recent incursions. The situation warrants close monitoring to avert further escalation and provide support to affected communities.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
