Sudan army says repels RSF attack in South Kordofan

January 14, 2026 (KADUGLI) – The Sudanese army said on Wednesday it repelled an attack by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on a strategic area in South Kordofan state, claiming to have inflicted heavy losses in personnel and equipment.

Military operations by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) and the RSF against the cities of Kadugli and Dilling have intensified in recent weeks. The escalations have raised fears of a full-scale ground assault after the two groups successfully isolated the cities from one another by seizing strategic positions along the national highway.

The army spokesperson’s office said in a statement that military and allied forces destroyed RSF units in the Al-Kuwaik area near Kadugli following “decisive clashes.” The statement claimed dozens of RSF members were killed or wounded and a significant number of combat vehicles were destroyed.

The military said it remains committed to its operations until the country is cleared of the paramilitary group. Social media platforms supportive of the army circulated videos on Wednesday reportedly showing the destruction of combat vehicles and the neutralization of fighters from both the SPLM-N and the RSF.

Civilians in Kadugli face severe challenges in reaching safety due to a siege imposed on the city by the SPLM-N, which has reportedly committed violations against those attempting to flee eastward.

Many residents are forced to displace toward Dilling, South Kordofan’s second-largest city, before attempting to reach El Obeid through RSF-controlled territory. The journey remains extremely perilous, with frequent reports of killing, looting, and arbitrary detention.