The Sudanese Armed Forces announced on Friday that they have taken full control of Al‑Mazroub, a strategic town in North Kordofan, after intense fighting with the Rapid Support Forces. This development comes as part of an ongoing offensive by the Sudanese army to reclaim territories from the RSF. The town's capture is significant due to its location, approximately 90 kilometres west of Bara, which gives the army greater command over routes linking North Kordofan with West Kordofan and Darfur.
According to a statement by the Sudanese Armed Forces, the RSF suffered substantial losses in personnel and vehicles during the battle for Al‑Mazroub, though no exact numbers were disclosed. The SAF emphasized that its forces and allied units continue operations on multiple fronts, pledging to protect civilians and property in areas now under army control. This pledge comes amid concerns over the humanitarian situation in the region, with many civilians caught in the crossfire.
The capture of Al‑Mazroub follows a broader SAF offensive across North Kordofan that has reclaimed several positions from the RSF in recent weeks. Earlier, on September 18, the army announced it had taken 11 areas, including positions near Al‑Mazroub. They later reported the seizure of Sudri on September 25, extending their western advance. These developments indicate a significant shift in the balance of control in the region.
Despite the army's advances, the RSF still holds positions in several areas, including Umm Badr and Hamrat al‑Sheikh. North Kordofan has become a major battlefield, with both sides deploying ground troops and drones to secure towns and supply lines. The use of drones has added an aerial dimension to the fighting, with recent RSF drone strikes targeting government‑held locations such as Um Ruwaba and El Obeid.
The conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023 after a dispute over integrating the RSF into Sudan’s regular army, has spread across much of the country. Kordofan and Darfur remain focal points of the fighting. The war has caused a massive humanitarian crisis, with United Nations estimates indicating hundreds of thousands of deaths and over 14 million people displaced, making Sudan one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises.
The Sudanese army's offensive is aimed at securing key territories and protecting civilians. The army's control of Al‑Mazroub provides a strategic advantage, allowing for better control over supply routes and communication lines. However, the ongoing fighting poses significant challenges to humanitarian efforts, with many areas remaining inaccessible due to the conflict.
The international community continues to monitor the situation in Sudan closely, with the United Nations and other organizations calling for a ceasefire and negotiations between the warring parties. The humanitarian situation in Sudan remains dire, with urgent needs for food, shelter, and medical care. The Sudanese government and international actors are working to address these needs, but the ongoing conflict poses significant challenges to these efforts.
Key points
- Sudanese Armed Forces take control of Al‑Mazroub in North Kordofan.
- The conflict has caused hundreds of thousands of deaths and displaced over 14 million people.
- The Sudanese army's offensive aims to secure key territories and protect civilians.
