Sudanese unit claims 4,000 killed in Khartoum clashes with ‘Tutkew’ Forces

KHARTOUM – A Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) unit, the Special Mission Force (SMF), claimed via Telegram that at least 4,000 South Sudanese fighters linked to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) were killed in clashes in southern Khartoum.

The SMF, an elite force with ties to Islamist groups, said in a statement that the dead belonged to “Tutkew’s forces” and fighters loyal to South Sudanese militia commander Thomas Tel.

Tut Gatluak, South Sudan’s presidential security advisor, is nicknamed “Tutkew.”

The statement did not provide details on the nature of the fighting. Sudans Post was unable to immediately reach Gatluak’s office for comment.

The reported clashes come amid heightened tensions in Sudan. The SMF statement follows last year’s speculations about Gatluak’s involvement in the conflict.

He allegedly held meetings with RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo and Libyan warlord Khalifa Haftar days before the outbreak of violence in April 2023.

Thomas Tel, also known as “Balat,” previously led South Sudanese mercenaries during an attack by the RSF on the Armored Corps in Khartoum last August.

He is a South Sudanese national who was allied with General Paulino Matip Nhial prior to the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA).

International bodies, including the United Nations, have warned of the potential spillover of the violence into South Sudan.

This is underscored by the recent detention of a senior RSF commander, Jibril Tap Gatjiek, by South Sudan’s main opposition group, the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLM-IO).

Gatjiek was attempting to recruit fighters in South Sudan’s Unity state when he was detained on May 26 in Unity State by the main armed opposition group.