Khartoum: The Sudanese army successfully recaptured the strategically significant Attrun area in North Darfur from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), as confirmed by local authorities on Sunday.

According to Anadolu Agency - English, Darfur Governor Minni Arko Minnawi announced on Facebook that the Sudanese Armed Forces, alongside the Joint Forces, achieved significant victories by liberating the Attrun area from the RSF militia. The Joint Forces also issued a statement confirming that the area is now under the control of the army, stating that the RSF suffered considerable losses in both personnel and equipment during the operation.

The RSF has yet to provide any immediate comments regarding the statement from the Joint Forces. Attrun holds strategic importance due to its location in the far north of North Darfur, serving as a critical route linking the Northern State with North Darfur, and extending towards the border square connecting Sudan with Egypt, Libya, and Chad.

The RSF initially captured the area on April 9 following clashes with army forces. Since April 2023, the RSF has been engaged in a fierce battle with the army for control over Sudan, leading to thousands of deaths and escalating one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises.

More than 20,000 people have reportedly been killed and 15 million displaced, according to the UN and local authorities. However, US scholars suggest that the death toll might be as high as 130,000.