The conflict in Sudan has entered a dangerous new phase at the start of the new year, with SAF seeking to offset battlefield losses in Kordofan by intensifying deadly operations in Darfur, while clashes expand into several central states.
Local media reports say fighting has sharply escalated across Darfur since the beginning of the year, amid growing accusations that SAF is relying heavily on aerial bombardment and indiscriminate force, deepening civilian suffering and widening the scope of the war.
The violence has also spread to the central towns of Kenana and Assalaya in White Nile state, which were reportedly targeted by waves of explosive laden drones. The attacks have raised alarm over the expansion of military operations into areas that had previously been spared large scale fighting.
Residents reported hearing repeated explosions and sustained anti aircraft fire around the two towns, with the sound of clashes reaching Rabak, the state capital. The early morning timing of the attacks triggered panic among civilians, many of whom fled their homes fearing further strikes.
In recent days, attacks on civilian infrastructure have intensified, with mounting accusations that SAF is using air power in ways that violate international humanitarian law and expose densely populated areas to grave risk.
The United Civil Forces, known as Qimam, condemned what it described as a “brutal and terrorist” attack on the Abu Qamra area in North Darfur, accusing aircraft linked to SAF and allied Islamist factions of carrying out the strike. The group said dozens of civilians were killed or wounded, and the local market was set ablaze, calling the attack part of a systematic campaign against civilians in Darfur.
A spokesperson for the group said the assault reflected what he described as the moral collapse of the Port Sudan based authorities, warning that the continued targeting of civilians amounts to crimes against humanity and demands urgent international action.
He urged governments and international organisations to move beyond statements of concern, press for an immediate halt to the attacks, ensure civilian protection, and hold those responsible accountable.
Meanwhile, the Sudan Liberation Movement Democratic accused SAF of killing at least 64 patients and medical staff after bombing a hospital in western Darfur, in what the group described as a flagrant violation of international law. The movement is part of the Sudan Founding Alliance, which includes military, political, and community actors, among them the Rapid Support Forces and the SPLM North.
SAF has issued no response to the allegations, and independent verification remains difficult due to access restrictions.
In Kordofan, ongoing clashes have knocked out electricity supplies in El Obeid after drone strikes hit key infrastructure. The electricity company said a fire damaged generator buildings at the El Obeid power station, bringing supply to a halt.
Although SAF retains control of El Obeid, pressure on the city has increased amid sustained fighting. Oil rich areas of Kordofan have also seen significant displacement, with the UN’s migration agency reporting that around 15,000 people have fled their homes in recent days.
Since April 2023, the war between SAF and the Rapid Support Forces has displaced millions and plunged Sudan into one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with civilians bearing the overwhelming cost of a conflict that shows no sign of abating.
