Sudanese army says it recaptures two areas in Blue Nile region
June 29, 2026 (ED DAMAZIN) – The Sudanese army said on Monday it had seized control of two areas in the Blue Nile region in the far southeast of the country, following battles against an alliance of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N).
Over the past week, the RSF and its ally, the SPLM-N led by Abdel Aziz al-Hilu, have made advances in the eastern areas of the Blue Nile region after fighting against the armed forces, which have heavily deployed drones.
The command of the Fourth Infantry Division said in a statement that its forces had liberated the areas of Magaja and Sarkam following direct clashes with the rebel militia.
The statement added that the operation resulted in the military taking control of the sites and forcing the enemy to retreat from the theatre of operations.
Sarkam is located northeast of the strategic town of Kurmuk and about 11 kilometres from the Sali area, a key operational centre in the region’s eastern sector.
The town of Magaja lies west of the Dandro military zone, which is described as one of the most important operational hubs in the central sector.
A military source told Sudan Tribune that the simultaneous military operations in the eastern and central sectors aimed to expand the security perimeter around the Sali and Dandro military posts.
Both posts are vital for securing Ed Damazin, the capital of the Blue Nile region.
Sali is located about 150 kilometres southeast of Ed Damazin, while Dandro is around 90 kilometres south of the regional capital.
The army broadcast a video showing the Fourth Infantry Division command in Ed Damazin receiving field reports regarding the capture of the two areas.
The army statement said the operation was executed according to a precise field plan with the participation of supporting forces, inflicting heavy losses in lives and equipment on the rebel alliance.
Combing operations are underway to fully secure the recaptured areas, according to the statement.
The army added that its forces continue their field deployment to ensure stability and prevent infiltration or repositioning attempts by fleeing elements, noting that the situation is fully under control.
The command of the Fourth Infantry Division reiterated its commitment to continuing operations until the entire region is cleared and security and stability are restored across all fronts.
The fighting front in the Blue Nile region between the Sudanese army and the RSF-SPLM-N alliance has been active since last February.
The alliance had captured the strategic border town of Kurmuk on the Ethiopian border last March.