SPLM-N rebels, RSF extand operations after seizing Sudan’s Kurmuk
March 26, 2026 (ED DAMAZIN) – An alliance of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) expanded military operations on Thursday across areas south, east, and west of Ed Damazin, the capital of Blue Nile State.
A regional government source told Sudan Tribune that the rebel alliance, led by Joseph Touka, who is senior SPLM-N commander loyal to leader Abdel Aziz al-Hilu, has mobilized forces toward the Geissan district on the Ethiopian border.
This mobilization follows the rebels’ capture of the strategic border town of Kurmuk three days ago. Kurmuk and Geissan are located approximately 150 and 200 kilometres southeast of Ed Damazin, respectively.
The source warned that Geissan is now at risk of falling, which would pose a direct threat to Ed Damazin and the Roseires Dam, Sudan’s second-largest hydroelectric facility.
Government officials also reported that rebel forces launched drone attacks on the Sali area in Kurmuk district, moving closer to the regional capital from the south.
On Thursday, the RSF and SPLM-N released video footage showing their fighters in control of Magaja, a town in the Baw district west of Ed Damazin. The footage depicted soldiers occupying government buildings in the area.
Kurmuk and Geissan have historically been focal points of conflict, having been captured by the SPLM under John Garang during the previous civil war before being reclaimed by the Sudanese army multiple times.
Humanitarian sources told Sudan Tribune they expect a surge in displacement as military operations intensify across several parts of the Blue Nile region.
Dozens of families were seen fleeing Kurmuk on foot or using pack animals, heading toward the relative safety of Ed Damazin.
While casualties have been reported in Kurmuk and surrounding villages, an exact death toll remains unknown due to the deteriorating security situation and communication challenges.
The Sudan Doctors Network stated on Wednesday that the joint attacks on Kurmuk forced approximately 3,000 people, mostly women and children, to flee toward Ed Damazin and the Ethiopian border.
Information suggests that Ethiopian authorities have kept the border with Kurmuk closed to displaced Sudanese for roughly two months.