[8][16][3] The Al-Bara' ibn Malik Battalion and the broader Islamic movement have been preparing their fighters since 2019 and have connections with some officers in Sudan's military intelligence.

[16][8][13] The group has been actively fighting alongside the SAF in their ongoing battles against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since the war started on 15 April 2023, suffering many casualties in various locations.

They also have a presence in a third location, the Central Reserve Forces, which have been sanctioned by the United States due to their involvement in quelling peaceful demonstrations.

[8][16] Another leader, Anas Omer, was a notable member of the now-disbanded National Congress Party (NCP) under President al-Bashir, and was taken into custody by the RSF on 16 May 2023.

[7] Muhammad al-Fadl Abd al-Wahed Othman, another leader, previously has sworn loyalty to Islamic State, and he was killed in action June 2023.

[10] At the meeting of the United Nations General Assembly, the commander of RSF, Hemedti, alleged that the army was being assisted in their fight by the Islamic State (IS) and supporters of the al-Bashir regime.

"[20] On 2 April 2024, 15 people were killed and more than 50 were injured after a drone attack in Atbara that struck an iftar gathering organised by the Al-Bara Islamic militia.