Sudan army launches major ground offensive in North and South Kordofan

April 18, 2026 (EL OBEID) – The Sudanese army said on Saturday it carried out extensive clearing operations in areas controlled by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) across North and South Kordofan states.

The move marks the first large-scale ground operation conducted by the army in several months. Field operations in the Kordofan region had previously declined as the military shifted its focus to drone strikes.

The military spokesperson said in a statement that the army and its allied forces carried out clearing operations in North Kordofan covering the areas of Kazgeil, Shwaya, Al-Hammadi, and Al-Dubeibat.

The statement added that the operations resulted in significant losses of life and equipment for the RSF, destroying several combat vehicles and causing their elements to flee.

Military sources told Sudan Tribune that the army deployed in North and South Kordofan after securing supplies for its troops. These supplies included drone-jamming devices intended to help maintain control over the seized areas.

A spokesperson for the Joint Force supporting the army announced the “liberation” of Kazgeil and Al-Hammadi following fierce battles against the RSF.

The Joint Force statement claimed the seizure of 57 combat vehicles in good condition and the destruction of 36 others, along with seven UAE-made armoured vehicles.

The statement further noted that the Joint Force completely destroyed four RSF combat groups, identifying them as groups 111, 13, 145, and 117.

The warring parties have traded control over these border areas between North and South Kordofan since last year.

By advancing from Al-Dubeibat to Dilling, the army aims to cut supply lines used by the RSF and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) led by Abdel Aziz al-Hilu.

The army previously broke the siege of Dilling and Kadugli via Al-Abbasiya earlier this year.