Sudanese army retakes north Kordofan town of Bara from RSF
September 11, 2025 (EL-OBEID) – Sudan’s army and its allies said on Thursday they had recaptured the town of Bara in North Kordofan state from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) after fierce battles.
The RSF had controlled the strategically located town since the early months of the conflict that began in April 2023, using it as a base to attack the state capital, El-Obeid, and as a key point on its supply route from western Sudan.
Taking the town, a traditional tribal seat, would help secure El-Obeid from the east and potentially re-establish a link to Omdurman, provided the army can also clear RSF fighters from nearby areas.
“We announce today that your forces have entered the city of Bara with force, determination, and capability, cleansing it of the filth of the scoundrels,” the army spokesman’s office said in a statement. It added that the army was determined to cleanse all of Sudan of the “filth of the militia, mercenaries, and agents.”
Pro-army social media accounts posted videos showing government troops and allied forces deployed inside the town. The army displayed several destroyed vehicles and said it had killed or captured dozens of RSF fighters.
The fighting has taken a toll on civilians. The exchange of shelling in Bara killed three civilians and injured 14 others, according to the Sudan Doctors’ Network, an independent medical group.
The network said in a statement that targeting residential areas was a “clear violation of international humanitarian law” and called on all parties to the conflict to protect civilians and allow unimpeded access for aid.
Following the army’s announcement, residents in El-Obeid held spontaneous street celebrations.
Addressing the crowds, North Kordofan’s governor, Abdel-Khaleq Abdel-Latif, called the victory a “gift to the Sudanese people” and the local Hajana army corps. He praised citizens for their patience in the face of RSF violations.
Residents have accused the RSF, supported by mercenaries from South Sudan, of widespread abuses during its control of Bara, including looting and the forced seizure of homes, which led to the displacement of many families to El-Obeid.