The Sudanese military has seized control of Mazroub, the administrative headquarters of West Bara Locality in North Kordofan, from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Videos reviewed and geolocated by Sudans Post confirmed the presence of Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) troops and allied Joint Force fighters in several parts of the town. This development extends recent army gains in the state.
According to the Sudanese military, its forces captured Mazroub after what it described as fierce fighting, claiming heavy RSF losses in personnel and vehicles. However, the military did not provide casualty figures or details of equipment losses. The RSF had not issued a statement on the loss of the town at the time of publication.
The capture of Mazroub comes after SAF and allied forces seized Sodari town, the headquarters of Sodari Locality, on September 25. Mazroub had remained under RSF control despite a series of army advances across northern North Kordofan in recent weeks. The latest gains have reduced RSF-held territory in northern North Kordofan.
The RSF continues to hold positions in parts of Sodari and Sheikan localities. In Sodari Locality, the RSF remains present around Umm Badr and Hamrat al-Sheikh. In Sheikan Locality, which includes the state capital El Obeid, RSF forces retain positions west and south of the city, including around Abu Qa’ud, Umm Sumaima and Kazgil.
The capture of Mazroub could increase pressure on RSF units operating west of El Obeid by giving army-aligned forces greater freedom of movement across the northern part of the state. However, the extent of SAF control outside captured towns remains unclear, as both sides continue to operate across wide stretches of rural North Kordofan.
The army and RSF have been fighting since April 2023, when tensions over the planned integration of the paramilitary force into the regular military erupted into war. The Sudanese military urged residents of areas brought under its control to resume normal activities and said it would continue operations against the RSF.
The conflict has led to significant instability in the region, with both sides suffering losses. The Sudanese military’s advances in North Kordofan have been marked by fierce fighting, and the situation remains volatile. The military’s statement did not provide further details on its plans for the region.
Key points
- The Sudanese military has captured Mazroub, the administrative headquarters of West Bara Locality, from the Rapid Support Forces.
- The capture of Mazroub extends recent army gains in North Kordofan and reduces RSF-held territory in the region.
- The conflict between the Sudanese military and RSF has been ongoing since April 2023, leading to significant instability in the region.
