The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) announced today that they have made significant progress in the Kurdufan region, amid ongoing clashes with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The announcement comes as the United Kingdom’s Foreign Secretary called for an immediate three-month ceasefire in Sudan to allow for the delivery of humanitarian aid.
In a statement released earlier today, the SAF asserted that they inflicted heavy casualties on the RSF, destroying equipment and securing vital locations. The army also stated that it has redeployed its forces according to pre-established strategic plans. This declaration follows reports that the army has successfully targeted RSF units near the cities of Al-Ubayyid and Bara in North Kurdufan State.
Further bolstering the army’s claims, the Sudan Shield Forces, an allied militia, affirmed that they have regained complete control over the Abu Qauod and Jebel Abu Sunun areas in northern Kurdufan.
Conversely, the RSF has also issued statements claiming advances in the Jebel Abu Sunun, Jebel Issa, and Al-Ayara regions, west of Al-Ubayyid, the state capital. In a statement released via Telegram, the RSF claimed to have achieved victories against the SAF and its supporting forces, reporting the deaths of 290 soldiers, the destruction of 40 combat vehicles, and the capture of 70 additional vehicles. The RSF statement asserted that these gains solidify their control over the majority of the Kurdufan region.
Following their recent capture of Al-Fashir, the capital of North Darfur, the RSF has focused its operations on the Kurdufan area, launching attacks on the city of Babanusa in an attempt to seize control of the SAF’s 22nd Infantry Division headquarters. While the RSF has claimed to be on the verge of capturing Babanusa, the SAF has reportedly repelled several attacks on the city. Fierce fighting continues in other areas of southern, western, and northern Kurdufan, leading to the displacement of approximately 50,000 people.
The SAF maintains control over South Kurdufan State and major cities in North Kurdufan, including Al-Ubayyid, as well as Babanusa in the west. The RSF controls cities in northern Kurdufan such as Bara, An-Nuhud in the west, and Ad-Duwaym in the south.
The ongoing conflict has created a dire humanitarian situation, prompting international calls for a cessation of hostilities. UK Foreign Secretary, Evette Cooper, has urged all parties to agree to an immediate three-month ceasefire to allow for the delivery of urgently needed aid to affected populations.
