The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) announced their withdrawal from a border zone with Libya and Egypt following clashes with forces aligned to Libyan commander Khalifa Hifter. The SAF stated this was a defensive measure, while Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces claimed to have taken control of the area, asserting heavy losses inflicted on the SAF. The tensions stem from ongoing conflicts at the border, exacerbated by Hifter’s forces allegedly attacking SAF positions, amidst accusations of external support for the RSF from the UAE.