Sudan army repels rebel attack near Ethiopian border

October 3, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – Sudan’s military said on Saturday it had repelled an attack by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and an allied rebel group in eastern Blue Nile state near the border with Ethiopia.

The assault by the RSF and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) targeted the localities of Minza and Bashkarkad, the military said.

Minza, in the Wad al-Mahi district, is a strategic post for government troops east of the Roseires Dam in southeastern Sudan.

The army’s 4th Infantry Division said in a statement that it had dealt a decisive blow to the RSF and fighters loyal to SPLM-N deputy leader Joseph Touka, killing and wounding fighters and destroying vehicles and equipment.

The division, the military’s main operational base in Blue Nile, said the attacking forces were forced to retreat under heavy artillery and gunfire.

The clash occurred hours after RSF drones struck several targets in the regional capital, Ed Damazin, including the residence of the state governor.

The military division’s command said it was reinforcing positions across the eastern sector to secure areas held by the coalition forces.

The RSF and the SPLM-N could not immediately be reached for comment.

Deteriorating security in the region displaced about 7,000 people, or 1,400 families, from Minza, Jabal Nimr and Manshalang on Sept. 26, according to the International Organization for Migration.

Fighting has flared in Blue Nile since early this year. The army said in July it had recaptured several posts briefly held by the RSF-SPLM-N alliance, later retaking the towns of Kurmuk and Geissan.