The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have begun an operation against remaining Rapid Support Forces (RSF) positions in North Kordofan state. The military's advance into Sodari and West Barah localities and areas west of the state capital, El Obeid, started on Thursday. This development comes nearly two months after the military captured Bara, Jabrat al-Sheikh, and several other towns in late July. Those gains reopened the direct road between El Obeid and the Khartoum region.
The Sudanese military and its allies from former Darfur rebel movements currently control five of North Kordofan's eight localities: Jabra Al-Sheikh, Barah, Um Dam Haj Ahmed, Rahad, and Um Ruwaba. They also control almost all of Sheikan Locality, except for Umm Sumaima, on the border with West Kordofan State. Additionally, the military controls Abu Qa'ud, just west of El-Obeid, and Kazgil, on the border with South Kordofan State. The RSF had previously threatened El Obeid and disrupted movement along the Al-Sadarat Highway.
In West Barah Locality, the Sudanese military now controls nearly half of the territory, extending west from Al-Qa'ah to Um Za'atr, approximately 74 kilometres from the locality's administrative headquarters, Al-Mazroub. The military has also advanced toward the centre of Sodari Locality, reaching Tna town, which lies approximately 42 kilometres southeast of Sodari, the locality's administrative headquarters.
The operation aims to create a buffer between remaining RSF positions and the territory captured in July, providing greater protection for El Obeid and the routes connecting it to other army-held areas. The Sudanese military reported capturing several areas, including Kajmar, Sharshar, Al-Baniya Al-Kurayniya, and Al-Kukaiti, along with areas around Al-Mazroub. Geolocated footage supports parts of the military's account, although the army's claims of heavy RSF losses remain unverified.
Despite the military's advances, the RSF retains important positions in at least three localities. In Sodari locality, the RSF still controls the administrative headquarters, Sodari town, Umm Badr, and Hamrat al-Sheikh. The locality is strategically important due to its borders with North Darfur to the west and Northern State to the north.
West of El Obeid, Abu Qa'ud and Umm Sumaima remain significant RSF positions along the road toward Al-Khuwei in neighbouring West Kordofan. The RSF reported repelling an army assault on Abu Qa'ud, claiming to have inflicted losses and captured weapons and ammunition. Taking control of these areas would remove RSF positions near El Obeid but would also require the army to protect its supply routes.
The conflict in North Kordofan state continues, with the Sudanese military seeking to establish lasting control over the region. The limited road network complicates military movement and efforts to establish control, while securing key routes could help the SAF protect its positions elsewhere in Kordofan. The situation remains volatile, with ongoing clashes and unverified reports of losses on both sides.
Key points
- The Sudanese Armed Forces have launched an offensive against Rapid Support Forces positions in North Kordofan state.
- The military controls five of North Kordofan's eight localities, with the RSF retaining positions in at least three localities.
- The conflict continues, with the Sudanese military seeking to establish lasting control over the region.
