Sudanese army recaptures strategic military base in Blue Nile region from RSF alliance
October 22, 2026 (ED DAMAZIN) – The Sudanese army recaptured two areas, including a strategic military base, in the Blue Nile region on Thursday.
The advance followed heavy clashes with an alliance of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N).
The army and allied forces took full control of the Bukuri base on Thursday morning, field sources told Sudan Tribune.
The military installation is located southeast of Ed Damazin, the capital of the Blue Nile region.
The RSF and SPLM-N alliance had previously seized the Bukuri and Serkom bases in Geissan and Kurmuk counties late last August.
Bukuri sits about 70 km (43 miles) east of Ed Damazin. It serves as the headquarters for the 13th Brigade of the army’s 4th Infantry Division in the region.
Kurmuk County Commissioner Abdel Ati El Faki confirmed the military gains on his Facebook account.
He stated the army regained control of the Uklili area in Kurmuk county’s northeastern axis, as well as the Bukuri area in Geissan county.
The southeastern sector of the Blue Nile region has seen several battles this week. Fighting escalated after the RSF and SPLM-N alliance attacked the areas of Sali and El Baraka in Kurmuk county.
On Wednesday, the alliance claimed control of El Baraka, about 15 km north of Kurmuk.
Meanwhile, the army said it successfully repelled the attack on Sali. Military officials reported inflicting heavy casualties and equipment losses on the attacking forces.
The battlefront between the Sudanese army and the RSF/SPLM-N alliance has been active in the region since January.
Earlier this year, the alliance captured the towns of Kurmuk and Geissan near the Ethiopian border, along with the Bukuri and Serkom bases, prior to Thursday’s army counter-offensive.
Ismail El Tayeb, commander of the army’s 4th Infantry Division, inspected the Dandro area south of Ed Damazin to assess combat readiness across the region’s operational sectors.
The commander reviewed defensive troop deployments and their readiness to carry out assigned tasks, according to a division statement.
El Tayeb affirmed the army’s determination to regain full control of the Blue Nile region.
He noted that clearing the area of what he described as the “rebel militia” requires heightened discipline and vigilance in the upcoming phase.
He also urged RSF and SPLM-N fighters in the region to defect and surrender to the army, citing recent instances of rival forces turning themselves in to the division’s command.