Sudan is witnessing a significant military escalation as fierce battles erupt in the Blue Nile region and Kordofan states, leading to increased displacement towards the north of the country.
Military sources informed Al Jazeera correspondent Osama Sid Ahmed that violent confrontations occurred this morning in two areas south of the Blue Nile state, where artillery and heavy weapons were used. The fighting lasted for hours, prompting the Sudanese army to withdraw its forces from the two areas.
Details of the Event
In South Kordofan, the Sudanese Armed Forces repelled a fierce attack launched by the Rapid Support Forces, supported by the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North, on the outskirts of the "Takamah" area east of the city of Dilling. The army managed to repel the attack, inflicting significant casualties in terms of personnel and equipment, in addition to seizing large quantities of weapons and ammunition after intense clashes.
The "Takamah" area holds strategic importance in military operations in South Kordofan, located just about 9 kilometers east of Dilling city, at a vital crossroads linking the "Kurtala" and "Habilla" regions. Through these battles, the Sudanese army aims to secure the main supply line connecting Dilling and Kadugli cities with other central Sudan states via the White Nile, a route that the army announced it had opened last January after a suffocating siege imposed by the Rapid Support Forces and the SPLM-N for nearly two years.
The situation in "Takamah" continues to see back-and-forth dynamics amid conflicting narratives from both sides, with army sources asserting control has been regained, while Rapid Support Forces platforms circulate statements claiming the recovery of positions. These developments come amid ongoing attempts by the Rapid Support Forces and their allies to re-establish the siege on Dilling city, which has been subjected to heavy artillery shelling resulting in dozens of civilian casualties.
In North Kordofan, the army has intensified its use of air power, executing a drone strike in the "Al-Khoy" area, resulting in the destruction of 10 combat vehicles belonging to the Rapid Support Forces and inflicting human losses among their ranks.
Background & Context
The Kordofan region comprises three states: North Kordofan (capital: Al-Obeid), South Kordofan (capital: Kadugli), and West Kordofan (capital: Al-Foula). The scope of the "drone war" has expanded to include central states, with a drone targeting the city of "Kosti", the largest city in the White Nile state, resulting in the deaths of 5 civilians and injuries to 9 others according to a statement from the "Sudan Doctors Network". Rapid Support Forces' drone attacks on civilian facilities have escalated in recent months across various regions, including the capital Khartoum.
On the humanitarian front, authorities in the Northern state have issued an urgent appeal to international and local organizations to intervene to support waves of displaced individuals fleeing from Kordofan and Darfur. The state's Minister of Social Affairs, Manal Makawi, confirmed the preparation of new shelter centers east of Dongola city and other areas to accommodate the displaced.
Impact & Consequences
The Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid in the state, Wael Mohammed Sharif, has called on UN organizations for immediate intervention to support the new camps, expressing the state's readiness to provide all necessary facilities for humanitarian organizations to address the escalating crisis. Since April 15, 2023, Sudan has been experiencing a war between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces, which began in the capital Khartoum and has spread to various parts of the country, resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands and the displacement of approximately 13 million people.
Concerns are growing over the worsening humanitarian situation in Sudan as fighting continues, necessitating urgent international intervention to provide humanitarian assistance to those affected.
Regional Significance
The Arab region is significantly affected by the ongoing events in Sudan, as humanitarian crises and mass displacement pose major challenges for neighboring countries. The continuation of the conflict reflects the fragility of security conditions in the region and complicates peace and stability efforts.
In conclusion, the situation in Sudan remains tense, with ongoing battles and increasing humanitarian pressures, requiring an urgent response from the international community.