Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) said Thursday it had captured four strategic towns in South and West Kordofan, calling it a “decisive turning point” in its battle with General al-Burhan’s arm (SAF) and allied jihadist militias.
In a statement, the RSF identified the captured areas as Al-Dibaibat and Al-Hammadi in South Kordofan, and Al-Khawi and Um Sumaima in West Kordofan. It described the operation as a “strategic development” against what it labeled “the terrorist Army operating under the Islamic Movement.”
The group said the battles had inflicted “heavy losses” on the SAF and its allies, reporting more than 2,300 killed and the seizure of about 300 combat vehicles, including tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery, as well as large stores of ammunition. These claims could not be independently verified.
The RSF said its new territorial gains would have implications for ongoing fighting in El-Fasher and other fronts in Sudan’s sprawling conflict, cutting supply lines and weakening the morale of SAF and its supporters.
The RSF also addressed the Sudanese people directly in its statement, vowing that “the era of marginalization is over” and promising further operations in the days ahead.
The fighting in Sudan has escalated in recent weeks as the RSF and the SAF, led by Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, continue to battle for control of the country. The conflict has displaced millions and killed thousands since it erupted in April 2023.
