Sudanese army advances in Kordofan as RSF nears Kadugli

December 31, 2025 (EL OBEID) – The Sudanese army made rapid territorial gains on Wednesday, seizing several areas in North and South Kordofan states. At the same time, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) reported capturing a town near the strategic city of Kadugli.

The large-scale operation marks the military’s first major ground push in the Kordofan region in months. For much of the past year, the army had scaled back land manoeuvres in favour of intensive drone strikes, which officials say caused significant casualties for the RSF and its ally, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), led by Abdel Aziz al-Hilu.

Military sources told Sudan Tribune that an army unit, supported by the Joint Force, moved south of El Obeid to take control of Al-Rayash, Kazgail, Al-Hammadi, and Al-Dibeibat following heavy fighting.

Drones were heavily integrated into the offensive, targeting RSF mobile units and destroying dozens of vehicles. Pro-government media shared footage showing troops stationed in the newly captured border areas between the two Kordofan states.

Control of Kazgail and Al-Rayash has fluctuated between the warring parties since last June. By securing these positions south of El Obeid, the army aims to reopen the national highway and break the prolonged siege of Kadugli and Dilling. Both cities have been surrounded by RSF and SPLM-N al-Hilu forces.

However, the RSF countered with a statement claiming control of Al-Kuwayk, located about 18 kilometres west of Kadugli. The move appears to isolate the South Kordofan state capital further.

The latest escalation follows an announcement on Tuesday by the SPLM-N that its fighters had severed the main road between Kadugli and Dilling after occupying strategic points along the vital transport corridor.