Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on June 11 announced the capture of a critical border zone linking Sudan with Egypt and Libya, deepening the country’s already dire security crisis. The RSF claimed victory in seizing the “Triangle” area—a strategic junction in the northwest—after fierce engagements with government troops. According to RSF spokespersons, the army sustained significant casualties and equipment losses before withdrawing.
In response, the Sudanese Armed Forces confirmed the retreat, framing it as a tactical repositioning to “strengthen defensive arrangements” rather than a full-blown defeat. However, the army’s statement also levelled accusations at Libyan warlord Khalifa Haftar, alleging his forces played a direct role in aiding the RSF. The Sudanese military condemned this cross-border interference as a serious violation of international norms, warning of broader regional implications if such support continues.
This latest development comes as the war between the RSF and Sudan’s military leadership grinds into its third year, decimating the country’s infrastructure and civilian population. While official UN estimates place the death toll at over 20,000 with 15 million displaced, independent analysts argue the real figures may be exponentially higher—approaching 130,000 fatalities. The fall of the strategic border triangle signals a new phase in Sudan’s unraveling, with foreign actors and fractured loyalties further complicating hopes for a negotiated peace.