Sudan army, allies advance against RSF in West Kordofan, down third drone

November 8, 2026 (EL-KHWEI) – Clashes intensified on Sunday between the Sudanese army, backed by allied forces, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in West Kordofan State.

The military also said it shot down a long-range drone, the third intercepted in the Kordofan region within 72 hours.

Fighting in Kordofan resumed last week after the army launched operations to recapture RSF-held areas in North Kordofan.

The advance westward is designed to secure routes for future military operations in the Darfur region.

The army and its allies have recently seized several areas in West Kordofan, including the Iyal Bakhit area near El-Khwei and dozens of nearby villages.

Military sources told the Sudan Tribune that the army and the Joint Force fought fierce battles on Sunday morning in Abu Minaiqir, about 55 km (34 miles) north of El-Khwei.

Violent clashes were also reported near Um Kuraidim, the capital of the West Bara locality.

A Joint Force spokesperson said in a statement that allied troops were conducting extensive sweeps across West Kordofan.

The spokesperson claimed the force inflicted heavy casualties on the RSF, destroying and capturing numerous combat vehicles.

Videos posted by accounts linked to the Joint Force appeared to show the destruction and capture of dozens of military vehicles.

Separately, the army spokesperson said air defences shot down an FH-95 long-range drone near Wad Banda in West Kordofan.

The incident underscores the escalating use of long-range drones by warring parties as the conflict widens across the North and West Kordofan axes.