Khartoum – Amidst the ongoing conflict in Sudan, a military expert suggests the Sudanese army’s recent withdrawal from Heglig may signal preparations for a counter-offensive. This comes after the fall of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, and Babanusa in West Kordofan, to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Brigadier Elias Hanna, a military and strategic expert, believes the current battles are focused on key regional centers. He emphasized the strategic importance of controlling the White Nile state, as it would effectively sever eastern Sudan from its western regions.
Regarding the Sudanese army’s declared tactical retreat from Heglig in West Kordofan, along with its equipment and vehicles, towards South Sudan, Brigadier Hanna clarified that such a withdrawal often implies a military readiness for a subsequent counter-attack.
A source within the Sudanese army stated the withdrawal from the Heglig oil field was intended to prevent its destruction. Military sources also indicated that forces retreating from Babanusa and Heglig would be redeployed to the White Nile state, bordering South Sudan.
The Heglig region is considered vital due to its oil wealth and gold reserves. Furthermore, it provides a gateway to Kadugli, the capital of South Kordofan, suggesting the RSF aims to control both revenue streams and extensive territories.
The military expert noted a difference in combat strategies, stating the Sudanese army employs traditional methods, while the RSF utilizes guerrilla and militia tactics.
Colombian Mercenaries
Brigadier Hanna also addressed the alleged involvement of Colombian mercenaries in the conflict, stating their participation is not new, and they purportedly contributed to the fall of El Fasher to the RSF. He claims these mercenaries possess specialized combat expertise in urban warfare and counter-insurgency operations.
The United States recently imposed sanctions on entities accused of fueling the war in Sudan, targeting a transnational network allegedly recruiting former Colombian soldiers and training fighters, including children, for the RSF.
The U.S. Treasury Department stated it sanctioned four individuals and four entities within this network.
