Khartoum: Rhino – The Rapid Support Forces announced on Thursday the liberation of dozens of civilians, mostly women and children, who were held in poor conditions in the prisons of armed movements in the Malha area of North Darfur state.

The RSF added in a statement on Thursday: ‘After the liberation of the city of Malha, our forces released all detainees in the ghost houses used by the mercenary movements as a place to deter, torture and drag their opponents, and a number of detainees recounted tragic details about the death of dozens inside the movements’ prisons due to torture, while some were subjected to brutal acts that violate international humanitarian law.’

The statement continued: ‘Our forces affirm their firm commitment to protect civilians and defend their rights, and not to tolerate any threat to the security and safety of citizens and call on international human rights organizations to open an investigation into the crimes of the mercenary movements against innocent civilians.’

The RSF reiterated its determination to continue its efforts ‘to eliminate pockets of mercenary movements and Islamic Movement army affiliates, until the entire country is liberated from the hegemony of the racist Port Sudan gang.’