The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) captured the town of Wad Banda in West Kordofan on Tuesday evening.
The capture comes as RSF continues its offensive across the central Kordofan region, with clashes reported near El Obeid and other key areas.
Wad Banda, situated 70 km northwest of An-Nahud, one of General al-Burhan’s forces (SAF) last remaining strongholds in the region, is now under RSF control.
The RSF are pressing toward An-Nahud, further isolating the SAF garrison there, as RSF troops close in from several directions.
Widening Offensive
The Hamar tribal areas in West Kordofan have also come under pressure from the RSF. Reports suggest that RSF fighters have moved into Dam Gamad, near the state border, indicating a push from North Darfur, where RSF enjoys strong tribal support. Videos from the area showed RSF fighters torching a military outpost and capturing SAF-aligned fighters.
On October 8, RSF fighters celebrated their victory in Wad Banda, with videos circulating on social media showing them gathered in front of the town’s rural hospital.
An RSF fighter declared in one video, “We are now on the An-Nahud axis. All the axes of Dar Hamar we will cleanse [of the enemy], God willing.”
Another RSF unit, led by General Hussein Barshom, is also advancing in the region. Barshom, who previously led attacks on Balila and other army positions, has issued direct threats to An-Nahud, signaling an imminent battle for the town.
Strategic Isolation
An-Nahud is becoming increasingly isolated from other SAF-controlled areas in Kordofan. RSF forces have cut off key roads leading to El Obeid, Babanusa, Heglieg, and Kadugli, further straining SAF’s ability to defend its positions.
Meanwhile, RSF attacks continue in North Kordofan, including clashes in the village of Damukiyah, known for gum arabic production.
RSF Withdrawal in Darfur
In a potentially pivotal move, RSF forces have begun withdrawing from El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, where they have been besieging the city since April.
Eyewitnesses reported RSF convoys heading toward West Darfur to confront the Joint Forces, newly arrived to reinforce the army. This withdrawal has allowed SAF to regain control of parts of El Fasher, though large parts of the city remain under RSF influence.
Capital Region Fighting Continues
In Khartoum, SAF continues to hold key positions but has been unable to make significant advances. Meanwhile, in Sennar State, SAF forces, led by Lt-Gen. Shams al-Din Kabbashi, are focused on securing the Kosti-Sennar road, with fighting ongoing in Jebel Moya.
As the dry season sets in, both sides are preparing for intensified conflict, particularly in West Kordofan and Darfur, where RSF’s recent gains could tip the balance in the region.
