Sudanese army retakes key city of Al-Qutayna in White Nile state

February 23, 2025 (AL-QUTAYNA) – The Sudanese army retook control of the city of Al-Qutayna in White Nile state on Sunday after heavy fighting with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a military official said.

The RSF seized the city, located north of White Nile state and south of Khartoum, in November 2023. A major road runs through Al-Qutayna, leading to the RSF-controlled Jebel al-Awliya area and dam. The dam’s bridge has become the only supply route connecting Omdurman to Khartoum.

“The city of Al-Qutayna is completely free after the defeat of the enemy,” Major Mohamed Qalaa, a field commander in the Western Al Jazirah Mobile Unit, said in a video circulated on pro-army platforms. Sudan Tribune could not independently verify the video.

Pro-army platforms broadcast footage showing the deployment of armed forces and General Intelligence Service personnel in the city, with many neighbourhoods appearing deserted.

In recent weeks, the RSF had intensified attacks on civilians in Al-Qutayna and surrounding villages, carrying out widespread abuses, including killings, looting, and forced displacement, according to local reports.

The Sudanese Foreign Ministry said that RSF attacks on villages in northern White Nile state had left more than 400 people dead, including women and children, with dozens more missing. Reuters could not independently confirm the death toll.