Full Analysis Summary
Al-Tina border fighting
On Feb. 22, 2026, fierce fighting erupted around al-Tina (El Tina), a strategic border crossing between Chad and North Darfur, as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched an assault that the Joint Forces allied with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) say they repelled.
Dabanga Radio TV Online reports the Joint Forces "repelled a 'treacherous' attack by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on the El Tina border crossing between Chad and North Darfur on Feb. 22, 2026."
Al-Jazeera similarly reports "fierce fighting erupted Saturday in al-Tina" and that the RSF "attacked and used heavy weapons," while also noting joint forces said they denied RSF control.
SANA's reporting on related operations in the region notes heightened RSF deployments around Nyala and weapons-targeted strikes, underscoring a wider escalation in Darfur at the same time.
Coverage Differences
Contradiction
Sources differ on who currently controls al‑Tina: Dabanga presents the Joint Forces’ claim that they repelled the RSF assault, Al‑Jazeera reports both the joint forces’ denial and that the RSF posted footage declaring full control, while SANA’s account does not directly report on control of al‑Tina but focuses on nearby military actions at Nyala airport. The variations reflect each outlet’s emphasis: Dabanga foregrounds the Joint Forces’ rebuttal, Al‑Jazeera presents both claims and RSF footage, and SANA provides complementary regional operational details without claiming control.
Contested town control reports
Claims on the ground remain contested.
Dabanga quotes Mutawakkil Ali, deputy spokesperson for the Joint Forces, accusing the RSF of targeting unarmed civilians to force them from their homes and to impose a new reality through displacement.
The RSF had reportedly announced the previous day that it had seized control of the town.
Al‑Jazeera notes joint forces say they have "repelled RSF infiltration and denied RSF claims of controlling the town."
Al‑Jazeera also records that the RSF posted footage declaring control.
SANA’s material on regional operations documents RSF massing and arrests in nearby Nyala and government strikes on RSF equipment.
These reports paint a picture of parallel narratives and localized confrontations.
Coverage Differences
Tone
Dabanga frames the incident with strong accusatory language quoting the Joint Forces’ deputy spokesperson about civilian targeting and displacement, Al‑Jazeera balances denials with the RSF’s posted footage and local governor’s video, and SANA emphasizes military operations and weapons destruction rather than control claims. Each source reports others’ claims: Dabanga reports the RSF’s earlier announcement, Al‑Jazeera reports the RSF footage and the governor’s statements, and SANA reports strikes and arrests, so readers see differing emphases rather than a single confirmed account.
Al-Tina humanitarian access
Al-Jazeera highlights the crossing's humanitarian significance.
al-Tina is one of two official crossings for humanitarian aid from Chad, making the fighting critical for relief access.
The WHO's Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged an immediate halt to attacks on Sudan's health sector.
Dabanga emphasizes the El Tina border crossing between Chad and North Darfur, echoing that logistical importance.
SANA situates the clashes within a broader, worsening humanitarian emergency in Sudan.
SANA notes that the conflict since mid-April 2023 has left "tens of thousands killed, millions displaced and famine spreading."
Coverage Differences
Narrative Framing
Al‑Jazeera frames al‑Tina primarily as a critical aid route and quotes WHO concerns, Dabanga foregrounds the tactical contest over the El Tina crossing, and SANA frames the incident as another episode within an ongoing national humanitarian catastrophe. Each source reports related facts and statements (WHO appeal, crossing status, humanitarian toll) but chooses different lead angles: operational access (Al‑Jazeera), contested control (Dabanga), and cumulative humanitarian toll (SANA).
Border clashes and strikes
Al-Jazeera cites sources saying five Chadian soldiers were killed along the border during the clashes.
SANA documents explosions at Nyala airport reportedly targeting Rapid Support Forces (RSF) weapons and military equipment.
Government statements said forces destroyed advanced RSF rocket launch platforms.
Dabanga’s account underscores the contested status of the El Tina crossing.
Dabanga quotes Joint Forces alleging civilian targeting aimed at creating displacement.
Together, the sources show both cross-border fatalities and targeted strikes on RSF materiel, even as claims over territorial control remain disputed.
Coverage Differences
Unique Coverage
Al‑Jazeera uniquely reports cross‑border fatalities by naming ‘five Chadian soldiers killed,’ SANA uniquely reports explosions at Nyala airport and destruction of RSF rocket launch platforms, and Dabanga focuses on the Joint Forces’ characterization of the assault as ‘treacherous’ and on alleged forced displacement. These distinct emphases produce complementary but not identical pictures of the same broader escalation.
Contested control and humanitarian impact
The three sources together describe a contested, high-stakes engagement.
Local officials and joint forces deny RSF control and accuse the RSF of trying to drive civilians from their homes.
The RSF has publicly asserted control and posted footage.
Independent operational reporting documents strikes on RSF hardware and reports lethal cross-border consequences.
All of this unfolds against the backdrop of a prolonged humanitarian emergency.
The available accounts conflict on who holds al-Tina and differ in emphasis between operational control, humanitarian access, and weapons strikes.
Where the reports disagree or remain ambiguous, the sources themselves reflect that uncertainty rather than offering a single confirmed outcome.
Coverage Differences
Contradiction
All three sources make overlapping but not identical claims: Dabanga relays the Joint Forces’ statement that they repelled the attack and quotes their deputy spokesperson; Al‑Jazeera reports both the joint forces’ denial and the RSF’s posted footage claiming full control and additionally reports cross‑border casualties; SANA focuses on nearby strikes at Nyala and describes the deepening humanitarian crisis without a definitive statement on al‑Tina control. Because the outlets present competing claims and different focal points, the overall picture is disputed and unresolved in the reporting.