On June 12, Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announced their takeover of the Sudanese portion of the Almuthallath Triangle, a remote and lawless border region shared by Sudan, Libya, and Egypt. This area, long shrouded in secrecy, has been a hotbed of illicit activities, including gold smuggling, weapon trafficking, and human exploitation. The RSF’s capture marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the paramilitary group and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), which has displaced millions since April 2023. The triangle’s strategic importance lies in its role as a vital trade and transportation hub between North and East Africa, coupled with its rich reserves of oil, gas, and minerals. The region has been a battleground for governments, militias, and foreign-backed armed groups since the fall of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The RSF’s dominance in the area has disrupted smuggling routes, previously used by bus drivers and traffickers, and intensified the struggle for control over lucrative illegal trades, including fuel and gold. Experts warn that the instability in the triangle threatens the security of Libya, Sudan, and the broader Sahel region, with external actors like the UAE playing a significant role in fueling the conflict. As tensions rise, the battle for this desert frontier is expected to intensify, further destabilizing an already volatile region.