Sudan’s army launches air strikes on RSF in two Kordofan states

June 19, 2025 (BABANUSA) – Sudan’s army said on Thursday it had launched air strikes against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) near Babanusa in West Kordofan state, as ground fighting between the two sides resumed after more than a year.

The strikes followed a resumption of ground operations by the RSF mid-week, aimed at capturing Babanusa, the army’s headquarters in the state, according to a military statement.

The RSF had brought in significant reinforcements, mostly from the Darfur region, and engaged in heavy fighting with the army for the past three days, the statement added.

The army’s 22nd Infantry Division said in the statement that the strikes destroyed 13 combat vehicles, including one carrying a jamming system, and an ammunition supply vehicle. It said a large number of RSF fighters were killed.

Separately, in neighbouring North Kordofan state, the army’s air force carried out intensive strikes on RSF positions in the city of Bara. The army has been attempting to advance on and recapture Bara, deploying reinforcements from two directions towards the town.

Local sources told the Sudan Tribune news outlet that army drones targeted at least three sites in Bara’s southern and northern neighbourhoods, followed by powerful explosions.

Shortly after the air strikes, the RSF arrested dozens of civilians, accusing them of collaborating with the army, the local sources said.

The RSF is accused of imposing severe restrictions on civilians in Bara, including closing the main market, confiscating Starlink satellite internet devices, and conducting raids and arbitrary arrests.

Activists in the city say the area is facing shortages and high food prices as traders, fearing looting by RSF elements, are reluctant to bring goods to market.