A network of Colombian mercenaries backed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) provided critical support to Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), enabling it to capture the western city of el-Fasher last year, a new report says. The investigation, by security analysis organization the Conflict Insights Group (CIG), utilized data obtained from tracking the mobile phones of the Colombian fighters. The UAE has long denied supporting the RSF, which has been engaged in conflict with Sudan's regular army for three years. The fall of el-Fasher was marked by severe humanitarian crisis, with tens of thousands killed and millions displaced. This investigation is said to be the first to definitively link Emirati support to the RSF's operations, indicating that mercenaries operated under the 'Desert Wolves' brigade, engaging in drone operations and artillery support. The CIG's director stated, We are making public what governments have long known - that there is a direct link between Abu Dhabi and the RSF. The report follows extensive evidence of the UAE's military assistance to the RSF, detailing operations facilitated by Colombian fighters. The investigation underscores a critical aspect of the ongoing conflict in Sudan, accentuating the involvement of foreign mercenaries and the implications of international support for local warring factions.