Sudan’s Burhan visits newly recaptured North Kordofan areas

July 27, 2026 (EL OBEID) – Sudan’s army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan inspected military positions in North Kordofan state on Monday, following significant territorial gains along a key supply highway.

Burhan visited forward positions in the Um Sayala and Jabrat al-Sheikh regions alongside senior commanders, Darfur Governor Minni Arko Minnawi, and Sudan Shield Forces leader Abu Agla Keikel, the Sovereign Council said in a statement.

The army and allied forces advanced across Kordofan over the weekend, taking control of Bara and Jabrat al-Sheikh localities, as well as Um Siala and several surrounding towns.

The gains secured full control over the 360-kilometre export highway connecting North Kordofan to the capital Khartoum, a major transport and supply route for the country.

Forces conducting clearing operations in Jabrat al-Sheikh uncovered large stockpiles of weapons, ammunition, food supplies, and spare parts for combat vehicles, according to members of the joint force.

Jabrat al-Sheikh serves as a strategic point on the highway linking North Kordofan with Khartoum and sits near the state capital, El Obeid. Military sources said the town had served as a main hub for the Rapid Support Forces following their withdrawal from Khartoum.