Sudanese army and allied forces advance toward W. KordofanAl-Khuwai
November 13, 2026 (EL OBEID, North Darfur) – The Sudanese army and allied armed movements advanced toward the city of Al-Khuwai in West Kordofan state on Friday morning, taking control of a nearby town, military sources said.
A flanking manoeuvre enabled the joint forces to seize Serif Ankoush, located about 20 kilometres (12 miles) west of Al-Khuwai.
Military sources told Sudan Tribune that Serif Ankoush lies on the strategic road between Al-Khuwai and En Nahud, the second-largest city in West Kordofan and the Rapid Support Forces’ (RSF) main regional stronghold.
Soldiers from the allied armed movements posted video clips online appearing to show their forces entering the town.
The advance marks a significant shift in West Kordofan state, where the RSF has controlled the northern localities of En Nahud and Al-Khuwai since May 2025.
Military sources said the army inflicted casualties and equipment losses on the RSF. Video clips, which could not be immediately verified, appeared to show dead RSF fighters in Serif Ankoush.
The army’s position in the area puts pressure on the RSF’s main deployments in En Nahud, which controls access to the Darfur region via the national Western Salvation highway.
The Sudanese army and supporting forces recently launched a military operation to expand their presence west and southwest of El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan state.
In July, the army regained control of the city of Bara and several towns along the export road connecting El Obeid to the capital, Khartoum.