Sudan army seizes Al-Barka in Blue Nile, closing in on Kurmuk

May 25, Ad-Damazin — The Sudanese Armed Forces announced on Sunday that they had seized the Al-Barka area in Blue Nile region, marking a new advance that brings them closer to the town of Kurmuk.

The Fourth Infantry Division said in a statement that the armed forces and allied units carried out “decisive military operations” in Al-Barka, routing the RSF-SPLM-N alliance, clearing the entire area, and inflicting heavy casualties and equipment losses. A number of military vehicles and assets were destroyed or captured during the operations.

The division said the operation is part of a military plan aimed at reinforcing security and stability along the eastern border of Blue Nile region and preventing smuggling and human trafficking activities in border areas.

Blue Nile has seen a significant escalation in fighting since March, when the RSF and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu launched intensified military operations that enabled them to seize Kurmuk and a number of surrounding areas.

The region holds considerable strategic importance due to its borders with both Ethiopia and South Sudan. Sudanese authorities have accused Ethiopia of facilitating the conflict by allowing the use of landing strips inside Ethiopian territory to launch drones targeting Sudanese military and civilian infrastructure — allegations Addis Ababa has denied.