Rapid Support Forces Announce Incursion into Chad and Express Regret Over Unintentional Clashes
20/1/2026 | Last Update: 04:16 (Mecca Time)
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announced their incursion into Chadian borders, expressing regret over clashes described as unintentional with Chadian forces, while Chad condemned the attack that resulted in the death of 7 of its soldiers.
In a statement on its official website, the RSF affirmed its full respect for the sovereignty of the Republic of Chad and its internationally recognized borders. It offered condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the injured, praising the Chadian government’s role in hosting Sudanese refugees and its support for peace and stability efforts in Sudan and the region.
The statement explained that what occurred “was not intentional, but rather happened as a result of an unintended error during field operations” aimed at pursuing what it described as militias and mercenary movements originating from within Chadian territory.
The RSF statement spoke of attempts by its adversaries to provoke regional tensions aimed at destabilizing security and stability between the two countries. It renewed its “firm commitment to the principles of good neighborliness and joint action with brothers in the Republic of Chad in a manner that serves security, stability, and peace in the region.”
Chadian soldiers during a break near their country’s border with Sudan (European Pressphoto Agency)
The RSF indicated that the delay in issuing the statement was due to a keenness to accurately and responsibly verify the circumstances of the incident, renewing its commitment to taking full responsibility, continuing investigations, and taking the necessary measures to hold any negligence accountable according to applicable laws.
The Chadian government strongly condemned the RSF attack within its territory, stating it resulted in the death of 7 Chadian soldiers and the injury of others. In an official statement on Friday evening, it announced that armed elements belonging to the RSF crossed the border illegally last Thursday and carried out an armed operation targeting Chadian defense and security forces as well as civilians in the east of the country.
Sources told Al Jazeera that 3 Chadian soldiers were killed in the border area with Sudan during clashes Thursday evening between RSF gunmen and gunmen supporting the Sudanese army in the town of Jirjira in North Darfur state on the border with Chad.
RSF gunmen posted images of their destruction of Chadian army armored vehicles in the border area between eastern Chad and North Darfur state in Sudan.
The ongoing war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces since April 2023 has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands and the displacement of at least 11 million people, creating a hunger and displacement crisis that the United Nations considers the worst in the world.
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