Sudanese army breaks SPLM-N siege on Dilling, South Kordofan

July 30, 2024 (DILLING) – The Sudanese army attacked positions held by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) under Abdel Aziz al-Hilu south of Dilling in South Kordofan state on Tuesday, aiming to break their siege on the populated area.

SPLM-N fighters had established a presence in parts of Dilling, the state’s second-largest city, in January, securing some areas. The army, supported by SPLM-N elements, had earlier repelled repeated attacks by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that month, inflicting heavy casualties on the assailants.

A military source told Sudan Tribune that army forces attacked SPLM-N positions early Tuesday, driving them from the city and inflicting losses in lives and equipment, as well as destroying one of their camps.

The source said the army has deployed south of Dilling Airport and controls the “Karkaba, Jabal Koun” areas, roughly 5 kilometres south of the city. Karkaba houses a crude oil pumping station seized by the SPLM-N in recent months as part of their expansion within South Kordofan.

Meanwhile, residents staged large marches in Dilling to celebrate the event, culminating in a gathering at the 54th Brigade headquarters where the military garrison commander addressed them.

Dilling remains under a tight siege resulting from the conflict between the army, RSF, and the SPLM-N’s People’s Army. The SPLM-N encircles the city from the south and west, while the RSF does so from the northeast.

The prolonged siege has led to widespread hunger in Dilling due to the scarcity and rising prices of essential goods.