In a significant turn of events, Sudan's military has been successful in repelling multiple offensives by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group in the western region of Darfur. This counteroffensive, initiated by government-aligned forces, has led to strategic gains over the RSF in recent days, particularly in the Bir Saliba region, approximately 30km north of el-Geneina, the capital of West Darfur state. The capture of this region could potentially shift the focus of fighting towards el-Geneina. The Bir Saliba region is strategically important due to its road network linking the state capital with areas in the northwest, such as Jebel Moon and Kulbus. This offensive has resulted in the death of Major General Mahdi Adam, a prominent RSF field commander, although the RSF has yet to confirm his demise. The RSF's attempts to encircle Bir Saliba have also been thwarted by the Joint Force of the Armed Struggle Movements, a coalition of former Darfur rebel groups. The Sudanese military has reportedly destroyed over 38 combat vehicles and seized 27 others in this campaign. The increased use of drones by the RSF indicates a shift in their strategy due to losses on key fronts, such as the strategic route linking Omdurman and el-Obeid. The fighting has displaced over 6,650 people from 11 villages in the Sirba region, adding to the 13 million already displaced since the conflict began in April 2023. The RSF and its allies have established a rival administration, known as the Tasis government, in opposition to the Sudanese government based in Port Sudan. Despite multiple attempts, Al Jazeera has yet to receive a response from the RSF and Tasis government regarding the fighting in the Bir Saliba area.