The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) announced on Friday, September 25, 2026, that it had captured the strategic Sodari area in North Kordofan state. This followed heavy fighting with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The army said its troops, backed by allied forces, took control of Sodari and inflicted heavy losses on the RSF in personnel and equipment. Videos on army-linked social media platforms showed SAF troops and allied Joint Forces members celebrating the capture.
Sodari is located in northwestern North Kordofan, an area that has become a key front in the fighting. The army and allied forces are pushing westwards towards Darfur. The area lies along routes connecting North Kordofan with North Darfur and West Kordofan, giving it importance for military movements and supply lines. The capture of Sodari extends the army's control in the locality.
The RSF did not immediately comment on the army's announcement. The group continues to hold several areas in North Kordofan, including Umm Badr and Hamrat al-Sheikh. The RSF also maintains positions in Abu Qa'ud, Al-Mazroub, Umm Sumaima, and Kazgil. The army's capture of Sodari follows a series of advances by the army and allied forces in North Kordofan.
On September 18, the military said it had captured 11 areas in the state. Military sources reported that its forces were advancing towards Sodari, Hamrat al-Sheikh, and Al-Mazroub. The army's latest advance comes as fighting intensifies in North Kordofan. Both the SAF and RSF have used drones and other weapons in the conflict.
The military said on Thursday that its air defences had shot down an RSF drone near Al-Kukaiti. Fighting continued across the state, with both sides engaging in clashes. Sudan's war, which began in April 2023, has had a devastating impact on the country. Tens of thousands of people have been killed, and millions have been displaced.
According to the United Nations and other humanitarian agencies, the conflict has caused a significant humanitarian crisis. The capture of Sodari is a significant development in the conflict. It will likely have implications for the balance of power in North Kordofan.
The situation in Sudan remains volatile, with fighting continuing in several areas. The international community has called for a ceasefire and negotiations between the warring parties. However, a lasting resolution to the conflict remains elusive.
Key points
- The Sudanese army captured the strategic Sodari area in North Kordofan state after heavy fighting with the Rapid Support Forces.
- The capture of Sodari extends the army's control in the locality and is a significant development in the conflict.
- Sudan's war, which began in April 2023, has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions.
