Sudan’s Kordofan Region Becomes New Epicenter of Fierce Army-RSF Battles
Sudan’s prolonged conflict intensified on Monday with heavy clashes in North Kordofan, where the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) launched a major offensive against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Both factions reported battlefield gains, raising fears of further escalation in the vital Kordofan corridor.
The Kordofan region, a strategic link between Khartoum and Darfur, has become a critical battleground. The RSF, backed by large reinforcements from Darfur and West Kordofan, deployed forces under senior commanders Ali Rizqallah “Savana” and Al-Nur Al-Qubba. Fighting has focused on villages south of El Obeid, where hostilities have continued for four days.
In a statement, the RSF claimed to have seized Kazgeil and Al-Riash. Yet, army officials denied the claims, insisting that government troops maintained their positions and were advancing. These contested areas have seen repeated shifts in control since mid-year.
The Sudanese army’s offensive aims to secure the main highway into South Kordofan to ease pressure on the besieged garrison towns of Kadugli and Dilling, which remain encircled by RSF and SPLM-N forces.
Later on Monday, El Obeid witnessed one of the heaviest artillery bombardments in months as the army struck RSF strongholds south and west of the city. The campaign forms part of a broader strategy to clear Kordofan and eventually lift the siege of El Fasher in North Darfur, a key RSF stronghold.
This latest military push comes days after the army reclaimed Bara town in North Kordofan on September 11, marking a rare but significant victory against the RSF since the war erupted.
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