Kordofan
Sudanese army pushes into West Kordofan, retakes Al-Khuwai
November 13, 2026 (AL-KHUWAI) – The Sudanese army and a joint force of armed movements took control of Al-Khuwai on Friday, one of the main cities in West Kordofan state.
The army’s push followed a military operation launched across multiple axes.
The offensive began early in the morning when forces captured the town of Serif Ankoush, located about 20 km (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.
The army’s position in the area puts pressure on the main deployments of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in En Nahud, which controls access to the Darfur region via the national Western Salvation highway.
Soldiers from the allied armed movements posted video clips online appearing to show their forces entering the town.
Military sources said the army inflicted casualties and equipment losses on the RSF, while unverified video clips appeared to show dead RSF fighters in Serif Ankoush.
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.
By securing Al-Khuwai, the army has taken control of its first locality in the state.
West Kordofan remains a main RSF stronghold, with a strong presence in the southern parts of the state, particularly in Al-Fula, Al-Muglad and Abu Zabad.
The capture of Al-Khuwai is part of a broader military operation launched recently by the Sudanese army and supporting forces 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.