Sudanese authorities have accused the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of carrying out drone strikes targeting the governor's home and several civilian sites in Blue Nile state. The strikes occurred on October 3, 2026, in the state capital, Damazin. Blue Nile Governor Ahmed al-Omda Badi reported that air defenses intercepted the drones, but did not provide details on casualties or damage.
The drone strikes were part of a broader escalation in fighting in Blue Nile state, where the RSF and its ally, the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), have attacked positions in several areas. The SPLM-N, led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu, has fought the Sudanese army in parts of South Kordofan and Blue Nile for years and recently aligned itself with the RSF.
The Sudanese army reported repelling attacks by the RSF and SPLM-N in Blue Nile state. The army's Fourth Infantry Division said its troops, supported by allied forces, engaged fighters from the two groups in the areas of Minza and Bashkarkad. The operation inflicted heavy losses in personnel and equipment, disrupted the groups' movements, and prevented them from advancing towards army positions.
Several vehicles and pieces of military equipment were destroyed, and the attacking fighters were forced to withdraw under fire, according to the army. However, the RSF and SPLM-N have not immediately responded to the army's claims. The conflict in Sudan has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced about 13 million, according to UN and international estimates.
Sudan has been at war since April 2023, when fighting broke out between the army and the RSF over a dispute about the proposed integration of the paramilitary force into the regular armed forces. The conflict has had a devastating impact on civilians, with many forced to flee their homes and seek shelter elsewhere.
Blue Nile Governor Ahmed al-Omda Badi vowed that the drone strikes would not deter the authorities from continuing their struggle and defending the homeland. He added that the authorities would continue efforts to regain control of territory held by what he described as "rebellion and aggression".
The RSF could not immediately be reached for comment on the drone strikes. The incident highlights the ongoing violence and instability in Sudan, with no clear end to the conflict in sight.
Key points
- The Sudanese army repelled attacks by the RSF and SPLM-N in Blue Nile state, inflicting heavy losses in personnel and equipment.
- The conflict in Sudan has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced about 13 million, according to UN and international estimates.
- The RSF and SPLM-N have aligned themselves in the wider conflict, although the two groups have distinct political and military structures.
