Sudan army reopens key road to Dilling after fierce clashes

April 6, 2026 (DILLING) – The Sudanese army on Monday reopened the road linking Dilling in South Kordofan to North Kordofan following intense battles against a coalition of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N).

In January, the army and its allies broke a long-standing blockade on major cities in South Kordofan, connecting Dilling to North Kordofan via rugged dirt tracks and ending nearly three years of isolation.

However, the RSF and SPLM-N coalition reinstated the siege in February after seizing the town of Al-Tukma, located approximately 7 kilometres east of Dilling.

Military sources told Sudan Tribune that the army seized control of Al-Tukma today and arrived in Dilling, accompanied by massive military reinforcements.

The sources explained that the army neutralized threats from the eastern areas of the city and linked the Habila region with Dilling, effectively breaking the siege and reconnecting the area with North Kordofan.

In a separate engagement, a large RSF force, reportedly including fighters from South Sudan, infiltrated the Al-Tumat neighbourhoods west of Dilling before being repelled by the army.

Local sources said the RSF conducted artillery shelling prior to the ground assault, targeting various locations, including the city’s main market and the headquarters of the 54th Infantry Brigade.

Pro-army social media platforms circulated videos showing the destruction of several RSF combat vehicles on the outskirts of the city.

The previous blockade led to a severe humanitarian crisis, with documented cases of famine in Dilling due to a total lack of food and aid, while military operations forced thousands to flee toward North Kordofan.

An army spokesperson later confirmed that the armed forces and allied groups successfully repelled the RSF attack on Dilling.

The spokesperson stated that the confrontation ended with the defeat of the “militia,” inflicting heavy losses in lives and equipment and forcing them to retreat.

The statement further noted the liberation of Al-Tukma following “heroic battles” and reported that RSF remnants fled the area, leaving behind vehicles and equipment.

The spokesperson emphasized that military operations would continue until the militia is completely eliminated and security is restored throughout the country.