Khartoum: Rhino – The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) denied what it described as allegations of targeting civilians in the city of El Fasher, stressing that the claims are baseless, adding in a statement on Wednesday: “The parties that actually endanger the lives of innocent people are the terrorist Islamic Movement militias and movement mercenaries, who have been using civilians as human shields, in a desperate attempt to hinder the advance of our forces.”

The statement read: “Everyone who has followed the course of events knows that our forces were, and still are, the most concerned about the safety of civilians in El Fasher. Earlier, humanitarian corridors were opened through the areas of (Qarni, Hilla al-Sheikh, Shagra, West Golo), through which more than 800,000 citizens were evacuated to the areas of Tawila, Korma, Shangil Tobay, and others, in remarkable humanitarian operations in full coordination with the coalition forces. Humanitarian committees were also formed to provide assistance to hundreds of thousands of citizens after they were evacuated to safe areas.”

The statement continued: “The facts on the ground confirm that these militias are the ones detaining the population and using some of them as human shields, while forcing others under pressure and coercion to join the so-called popular resistance.

We categorically reject and categorically refute these accusations. We call on the international community and envoys not to fall for the lies broadcast by the platforms and mouthpieces of terrorism and “armed mercenaryism” after their forces suffered harsh defeats in front of our heroes, who are moving with unrelenting determination towards liberating the entire national territory from the grip of extremism and terrorism, and opening a new page in the history of our country, whose title is peace, justice and democracy.”

The statement called on the international community, diplomatic missions and media outlets to be accurate and rely on reliable sources before adopting or publishing any information, and not to fall for propaganda campaigns that aim to distort the facts on the ground. And increased: “The RSF affirms its commitment to continue opening safe corridors for the exit of civilians from El Fasher to other safer areas and providing them with full protection, as well as welcoming the exit of military personnel and treating them in accordance with the principles of international humanitarian law, and we affirm our keenness to end the conflict in order to achieve security and stability and pave the way for comprehensive peace, lasting justice, and solid democracy for our people.”