Air traffic at Nyala International Airport in South Darfur has increased sharply over the past 10 days, with local residents and military sources saying some of the flights may be carrying military supplies and equipment to the Rapid Support Forces following recent battlefield developments in Kordofan.
Residents in Nyala told Darfur24 they had repeatedly seen aircraft flying over the city during daylight hours before landing at the airport, describing the frequency and timing of the flights as unusual.
Daytime arrivals have been relatively uncommon since the RSF reopened Nyala airport in September 2024.
Witnesses said some of the aircraft generated unusually loud noise while approaching the airport, leading residents to suspect that at least one was a large cargo aircraft. They were unable to identify the aircraft type or determine what it was carrying.
Two RSF sources also told Darfur24 that flights into Nyala had increased and said the activity was linked to the transportation of military supplies and equipment.
The sources tied the apparent resupply effort to recent RSF setbacks in Kordofan, where the Sudanese Armed Forces have announced the recapture of several strategically important positions.
Sudanese military sources said the army had regained control of Um Siyala, Jabra al-Sheikh, Bara and Um Qurfa in North Kordofan, while also securing sections of the Export Road linking Omdurman with El Obeid.
The claims could not be independently verified.
Both the SAF and RSF have meanwhile continued to deploy reinforcements across the wider Kordofan region, raising expectations of further fighting. The RSF has reportedly moved additional forces and military convoys from Darfur toward the Kordofan front.
The escalation is unfolding alongside a worsening humanitarian and economic situation in parts of North and West Kordofan.
Residents said the price of a sack of sorghum had risen to around 600,000 Sudanese pounds in some areas, with further increases feared as fighting disrupts trade routes and restricts the movement of essential supplies.
Separately, a delegation of community leaders and representatives from affected areas has arrived in Nyala to appeal to officials from the TASIS government for urgent humanitarian assistance.
The delegation is seeking emergency support for civilians affected by both the fighting and the deteriorating cost-of-living crisis across Kordofan.
