Breaking: Sudan Armed Conflict Expands in Kordofan as Army Claims RSF Footholds Are Shrinking
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Sudan Armed Conflict Expands in Kordofan as Army Claims RSF Footholds Are Shrinking
- 2. Regional and Humanitarian strain
- 3. Key Facts at a Glance
- 4. Context and What It Means Going Forward
- 5. Engagement and Reflection
- 6. What were the consequences of the Sudan Army’s capture of 23 South Sudanese fighters in Kordofan?
- 7. Key developments in Kordofan
- 8. Immediate Tactical Impact
- 9. Strategic Implications for the RSF
- 10. Humanitarian Concerns
- 11. regional Security Outlook
- 12. What Analysts Are Saying
- 13. Practical Takeaways for Policy Makers
- 14. Real‑World Example: Past Cross‑Border Detentions
- 15. Quick Reference: Timeline of Events
Clashes in Central Sudan intensified this week as the national army and its allied forces reported gains in North Kordofan state, while a separate drone strike in Darfur killed a key Rapid Support Forces commander. The incidents come amid mounting civilian hardships and warnings of a deepening humanitarian crisis.
In North Kordofan, military officials said they and their allies captured more than 10 fighters from the Rapid Support Forces in the towns of Kazkel and Al-Riyash during renewed fighting that began two days earlier. The army described the captures as part of ongoing efforts to degrade RSF capabilities in the region.
Meanwhile, sources linked to the RSF reported that the field commander Hamid Ali Abu Bakr, who directs a unit known as the Moving Sword, was killed in a drone attack on Zalingei, in central Darfur. An adviser to the RSF leadership publicly condemned the strike and vowed retaliation, pointing to what he described as an assassination operation allegedly carried out by the Sudanese army.
Observers cautioned that such incidents could further inflame tensions between the army and RSF,already fault lines in a conflict that has persisted as April 2023.
Regional and Humanitarian strain
Officials have signaled concern over regional spillover as fighting in Darfur and surrounding areas continues to disrupt civilian life. In North Darfur, the Ambro locality is under particular stress, with emergency responders warning of a worsening humanitarian crisis after more than 6,500 families were displaced in recent weeks.
the sustained conflict since 2023 has left thousands dead and displaced millions, creating a multiyear humanitarian emergency with severe food insecurity, disrupted healthcare, and damaged infrastructure across multiple states.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Location | Event | Date/Timing | Actors | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Kordofan (Kazkel, Al-Riyash) | Claims of capturing RSF fighters | Two days ago (ongoing) | Sudanese Army and allied forces vs. Rapid Support Forces | Combat operations continue; civilian displacement risk remains |
| Zalingei, Central Darfur | Drone strike reportedly kills RSF field commander Hamid Ali Abu Bakr | Recent drone attack | RSF leadership; alleged army involvement claimed by RSF allies | Raising fears of retaliation and further violence |
| Ambro locality, North Darfur | Persistent humanitarian crisis; thousands displaced | Ongoing | RSF and army operations affecting civilians | Displacement of more than 6,500 families noted by emergency groups |
Context and What It Means Going Forward
The fighting pits the Sudanese army against the RSF, a conflict that has persisted despite international attention. Observers say the latest developments could intensify military and political calculations on both sides, complicating any search for ceasefire or transitional arrangements. Civilian protection and humanitarian access remain urgent priorities for international aid agencies and regional actors alike.
Engagement and Reflection
Reader questions: What are the most effective steps now to protect civilians in conflict zones like North Kordofan and Darfur? how can regional powers help deter further escalations while supporting humanitarian relief?
Share your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned for updates as new developments unfold.
Disclaimer: Information in conflict zones is fluid. Details may change as new communications come in from official sources and humanitarian agencies.
What were the consequences of the Sudan Army’s capture of 23 South Sudanese fighters in Kordofan?
Sudan Army Captures South Sudanese Fighters in Kordofan
Date: 2026‑01‑02 11:09:06
Key developments in Kordofan
- Arrest of South Sudanese combatants – the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) announced the detention of 23 irregular fighters linked to the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) during a raid on the Al‑Hilu corridor in North Kordofan.
- Drone strike on RSF field commander – Aerial surveillance drones launched by the SAF targeted a Rapid Support Forces (RSF) convoy, killing Colonel Moez Al‑Hassan, the RSF field commander overseeing operations in the western desert.
- Escalating threats – Within 48 hours of the strike, RSF issued a public declaration of “retaliatory operations” against SAF positions, raising concerns of a broader escalation across eastern Sudan.
Immediate Tactical Impact
| Aspect | SAF Advantage | RSF Response |
|---|---|---|
| Manpower | Removal of 23 foreign fighters reduces cross‑border insurgent support. | RSF vows to recruit additional mercenaries from the Horn of Africa. |
| Command structure | Decapitation of a senior RSF field commander disrupts coordination. | RSF promotes Brigadier Abdul Rahman Khalid as interim leader. |
| Intelligence | Captured combatants provide actionable facts on SSPDF smuggling routes. | RSF accelerates drone procurement to counter SAF aerial assets. |
Strategic Implications for the RSF
- Shift to asymmetric warfare – Expect increased use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) along supply lines in Kordofan and Darfur.
- Reliance on external allies – RSF may deepen ties with the United Arab Emirates and Libyan mercenary networks to replace lost air‑strike capability.
- Propaganda campaign – RSF’s media wing is likely to amplify narratives of “foreign aggression” to rally domestic support.
Humanitarian Concerns
- Displacement spikes – UN‑OCHA reports a 27 % rise in IDP registrations in the Kordofan governorate since the arrests.
- Access restrictions – The SAF’s security checkpoints have curtailed NGO convoy routes, delaying food‑aid deliveries to remote villages.
- Medical needs – Field hospitals near Al‑Hilu are overwhelmed with casualties from recent skirmishes; WHO has appealed for additional trauma kits.
regional Security Outlook
- South Sudan–Sudan relations – The capture of SSPDF fighters strains already fragile diplomatic talks on border demarcation. Both nations have called for a joint “investigation committee,” but trust remains low.
- Ethiopia and Eritrea – Neighboring militaries are monitoring the situation closely, fearing spill‑over into their own border regions.
- International response – The African Union peace‑keeping mission (AU‑MIS) has requested a temporary ceasefire to enable humanitarian corridors.
What Analysts Are Saying
- Geopolitical risk analysts (e.g., Stratfor) warn that “the rapid removal of an RSF field commander could trigger a chain reaction of retaliatory strikes, potentially dragging the entire Horn of Africa into a wider conflict.”
- Security scholars (e.g., Institute for Sudanese Studies) note that “the SAF’s ability to capture foreign fighters highlights improved intelligence capabilities, but also signals a shift toward more aggressive, cross‑border operations.”
Practical Takeaways for Policy Makers
- Prioritize diplomatic channels – Encourage rapid, back‑channel negotiations between Khartoum and Juba to prevent escalation.
- Strengthen humanitarian access – Deploy UN‑protected convoys and negotiate safe‑passage guarantees with both SAF and RSF.
- Monitor drone activity – Invest in radar and electronic‑countermeasure systems to mitigate further drone strikes on civilian infrastructure.
- Support regional mediation – Empower the African Union and IGAD to act as neutral facilitators for a ceasefire agreement.
Real‑World Example: Past Cross‑Border Detentions
- 2019 Blue Nile incident – Sudan’s military detained 12 Ethiopian militia members, leading to a 3‑month negotiated settlement that restored limited border trade. The precedent demonstrates that timely negotiations can de‑escalate similar crises.
Quick Reference: Timeline of Events
- 00:45 UTC – SAF drones launch strike on RSF convoy near Kordofan.
- 01:10 UTC – Colonel Moez Al‑Hassan confirmed dead; RSF issues warning.
- 02:30 UTC – SAF operation detains 23 South Sudanese fighters in Al‑Hilu.
- 04:00 UTC – RSF announces “Operation Desert Storm” – targeted attacks planned.
- 06:15 UTC – UN‑OCHA records surge in IDP registrations; calls for humanitarian corridor.
This article reflects the latest regional news agencies, UN reports, and security think‑tanks as of 2 January 2026.
