The Sudanese army and its allied forces have regained control of the strategic city of Al-Khoi in West Kordofan state following clashes with Rapid Support Forces. The city was seized by the Rapid Support Forces in May 2025. According to reports, the army's operations began with the recapture of the Ayyal Bakhait area, a crucial location near Al-Khoi. This was followed by advances into nearby areas, including Sarif Ankush, which is about 5 kilometers from the city. These military movements put pressure on Rapid Support Forces positions around Al-Khoi, paving the way for the army to retake the city.
The recapture of Al-Khoi has been welcomed by local leaders. The governor of Darfur and general coordinator of the joint force of armed struggle movements, Minni Arko Minawi, congratulated the participating forces and the Sudanese people on this development. Footage posted by the commander of the Baraa bin Malik battalion, Al-Masbah Talha Abuzayd, showed soldiers from the battalion deploying inside Al-Khoi after it was retaken. This development is part of a broader military escalation in Kordofan, where the three states have seen ongoing clashes as the army seeks to regain strategic locations and supply routes.
The strategic importance of Al-Khoi lies in its geographical location, connecting parts of North Kordofan to West Kordofan. It serves as a key junction on roads leading to Al-Nahud and other areas towards Darfur. The city's recapture comes as Rapid Support Forces have withdrawn westward towards Al-Nahud. This withdrawal follows increased military pressure and recent advances by the army and its allies in several nearby locations and villages.
Al-Nahud, the next target in the West Kordofan axis, has gained significance due to its strategic and administrative importance. The city is located on the road network connecting North and West Kordofan to Darfur, making military developments around it directly impact troop movements and supply lines in the region. The army's actions in West Kordofan are part of a broader effort to secure key areas and disrupt Rapid Support Forces' control and communication lines.
The military operations in Kordofan have seen intense clashes in recent days. The air defenses of the Sudanese army reportedly shot down an enemy drone in West Kordofan skies on November 11. These confrontations underscore the ongoing conflict and the strategic value of the region. The army's advances have been supported by allied forces, highlighting the complexity and multi-faceted nature of the conflict.
The conflict in Sudan has seen various phases of escalation and attempts at mediation. The situation in West Kordofan remains fluid, with military movements and counter-movements by the opposing forces. The local population is significantly affected by these developments, with many facing displacement and hardship. Efforts to stabilize the region and negotiate a peaceful resolution continue.
The recapture of Al-Khoi and the ongoing military operations reflect the dynamic and often volatile security situation in Sudan's regions. The involvement of various forces and the strategic importance of the locations contested highlight the challenges in achieving a lasting peace. The humanitarian impact of the conflict remains a critical concern for local and international observers.
Key points
- Sudanese army recaptures Al-Khoi city in West Kordofan
- Rapid Support Forces withdraw towards Al-Nahud
- Conflict escalation continues in Kordofan region
