Sudanese army launches intensive strikes on RSF positions in Darfur and Kordofan

January 9, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese army said on Friday it launched intensive air raids on Rapid Support Forces (RSF) positions in Darfur and Kordofan, as well as routes leading to southern Libya.

The RSF controls most of the Darfur region except for small pockets, while the Kordofan region has become a primary theatre of fighting. The RSF also controls the border triangle with Libya in the Northern State.

An army spokesperson said in a statement that air and land units carried out strikes over the past week against “enemy” positions and supply routes approaching the Libyan border.

The army claimed the operation destroyed more than 240 combat vehicles and killed hundreds of RSF personnel. The statement also reported the destruction of several strategic drones and operating stations at Nyala Airport.

The military further asserted that ground forces had successfully expelled the RSF from large areas within Kordofan and Darfur, stating that operations would continue until the militia is eliminated.

In a separate statement, the RSF spokesperson said their air defences shot down a Turkish-made “Akinci” drone over Nyala in South Darfur on Thursday evening. The RSF alleged the drone was targeting civilians.

The RSF stated it remains prepared to counter daily air raids and drone strikes by the army, which they claim frequently target residential areas, hospitals, and public infrastructure.

In South Kordofan, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) led by Abdel Aziz al-Hilu reported that 13 civilians, including children, were killed in an army air strike on the Um Jamina market in Al-Sunut County. Another 18 people were injured in the attack.

The SPLM-N condemned the strike, accusing the military of deliberately targeting civilian areas.