Sudanese army breaks RSF siege of Dilling in South Kordofan state

January 26, 2026 (DILLING) – The Sudanese army said on Monday it had broken the siege of Dilling, the second-largest city in South Kordofan state, after fierce fighting against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied SPLA-N fighters.

The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and allied Joint Forces launched an operation early on Monday, making rapid gains on the South Kordofan front. The army said it had broken the blockade by linking Dilling to North Kordofan via the eastern road and seizing the strategic town of Habila.

A statement from the army spokesperson said the armed forces and supporting units had successfully reopened the road to Dilling following a military operation. The statement added that the operation had defeated the “Daglo terrorist militia”, a reference to RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, and mercenaries whom it accused of targeting civilians and regional security.

The military reported inflicting significant losses in lives and equipment on the RSF, stating that remaining forces had fled under strikes by government troops. The army reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating the militia to restore security and stability across Sudan.

By breaking the siege, the army has restored supply lines and opened vital corridors from North Kordofan. Military analysts view the move as a precursor to an advance on the state capital, Kadugli, which remains under a tightening blockade.

Videos circulated on social media by army supporters showed large crowds in Dilling welcoming military convoys, marking the end of the city’s isolation.

The siege of major cities in South Kordofan has severely exacerbated the humanitarian crisis since the conflict began. Famine has been recorded in Dilling due to acute food shortages and a lack of humanitarian aid.

Recent military escalation and airstrikes have forced thousands of residents to flee toward North Kordofan under difficult conditions, aid groups have reported.