The Rapid Support Forces announced a major troop buildup to attack the city of Babnousa in West Kordofan state, aiming to seize control of the Sudanese army’s 22nd Division.

In response, the army launched military operations toward Darfur on orders from its commander-in-chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.

His deputy, Yasser al-Atta, said the army “does not seek war but works for the nation’s security.”

The United Nations reported that more than 89,000 people have fled the city of El-Fasher since late October, amid warnings of a worsening humanitarian crisis.