Fighting has intensified in el-Fasher, North Darfur, as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) claimed control of a government-aligned Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) base, marking what they described as a key turning point in the region.

The RSF said capturing the 6th Division base “breaks the back of the army” and could pave the way for a new state aligned with their vision of freedom, peace, and justice.

The takeover follows 18 months of siege and days of heavy fighting, during which civilians have suffered from drone and artillery attacks, leaving 250,000 people under fire, Al-Jazeera has reported.

The SAF has not yet commented on its position following the RSF’s advance.