Sudanese army, RSF clash in fierce battles in Babanusa

November 16, 2025 (BABANUSA) – Clashes intensified on Sunday between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the city of Babanusa, the headquarters of the armed forces in West Kordofan state.

The RSF had previously withdrawn from Babanusa in preceding months after failed attempts to control it, while maintaining a ground siege it has imposed on the city since January 2024, with its fighters present around its perimeter.

Since the beginning of this month, the RSF resumed their attacks on Babanusa, sending large military reinforcements from Darfur after the failure of a mediation led by local leaders. The mediation stipulated, among other clauses, the army’s withdrawal from the city and the town of Heglig, with the forces’ exit to be secured to North Kordofan or the state of South Sudan. These were conditions the army rejected, affirming its determination to fight to the end.

Military sources told Sudan Tribune that “the Rapid Support Forces launched a large-scale attack at dawn today, targeting army positions around the 22nd Infantry Division and the headquarters of the 89th Brigade.”

They indicated that the RSF carried out intensive artillery shelling in addition to using drones, which heavily attacked the army’s defences south, north, and west of the 22nd Infantry Division.

Platforms affiliated with the Rapid Support Forces broadcast video clips stating that their elements are close to controlling the army base in West Kordofan state.

In contrast, fighters belonging to the Sudanese army published video clips showing their destruction and seizure of a number of combat vehicles and motorcycles belonging to the Rapid Support Forces.

The RSF controls most areas of West Kordofan, including the state capital, Al-Fula, and the cities of Al-Mujlad, Al-Meiram, Lagawa, Al-Khuwai, El-Nuhud, and Wad Banda, while the army controls Babanusa and some oil fields in Heglig, adjacent to the state of South Sudan.