The Sudanese army has withdrawn from the strategic border triangle connecting Libya, Egypt, and Sudan, a move announced on Wednesday following allegations that forces loyal to eastern Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar carried out a joint attack with Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The contested region had been under the watch of Sudanese troops, primarily composed of fighters from former rebel factions now aligned with the national army. The Sudanese military, currently engaged in a brutal civil war with the RSF, claims the border corridor is being exploited for arms smuggling, facilitated by both Haftar’s forces and the RSF. The area lies near al-Fashir, a key frontline in the ongoing conflict.
“In response to escalating threats and as part of defensive strategy, our forces have vacated the triangle area,” the army said in a brief statement, offering no further details.
In contrast, Haftar’s forces issued a denial late Tuesday, asserting that it was in fact Sudanese army-aligned troops who initiated an attack on Libyan patrols.
The Sudanese government has also accused the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a known supporter of Haftar, of orchestrating arms transfers through the area—an allegation the UAE firmly denies. Meanwhile, Egypt, a staunch ally of Sudan’s military leadership, also maintains support for Haftar.