Sudan’s Army Captures Over 10 South Sudanese Fighters in North Kordofan Amid RSF Clashes

Breaking News: South Sudanese Fighters Captured as Central sudan Battles Intensify; RSF Adviser Killed in Drone Strike

In a developing flashpoint of Sudan’s long-running conflict, the Sudanese armed forces say they have detained more than 10 South Sudanese fighters allied with the RSF in the central district of North Kordofan, in the towns of Kazqil and al-Rayash.The operation took place amid ongoing clashes between the army and the RSF in the region.

Officials said the detentions occurred on Thursday as government forces pressed a campaign across North Kordofan, with similar confrontations reported in other parts of the Kordofan belt. The army described the detainees as elements linked to the RSF, underscoring the broader struggle between the two sides that has unsettled central Sudan for weeks.

Drone attack targets RSF leadership in Darfur

In a separate development, Hamid Ali Abubakar, a security adviser to RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, was killed along with several aides in a drone strike near Zalingei, the capital of Central Darfur. RSF adviser al-Basha tabiq confirmed the death on social media, characterizing it as an assassination by the Sudanese Armed Forces and vowing retaliation.

The RSF unit leadership Abubakar commanded, the “Al-Saif al-Battar” group, operates primarily in northern, central, and western Darfur, amplifying the strategic importance of the strike for both sides.

Widening battlefield and humanitarian toll

The three Kordofan states—North, West, and South—have endured weeks of intense fighting between the army and the RSF, triggering widespread displacement. Tens of thousands have fled their homes as civilians seek safety across a landscape already strained by years of conflict.

Across Darfur and beyond, displaced populations have converged on urban hubs like Kosti, were shelters are overburdened and international aid has struggled to keep pace with rising needs. In North Darfur’s Umbro locality, ongoing clashes have driven thousands from their homes, highlighting the growing humanitarian crisis.

key facts at a glance

Location	Parties Involved	Latest Action	Civilian Impact
Kazqil & al-Rayash, North Kordofan	Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) & allies vs RSF-linked fighters	Reported capture of more than 10 South Sudanese fighters	Ongoing insecurity; civilian displacement in the region continues
Zalingei, Central Darfur	RSF leadership vs SAF	Drone strike killed Hamid Ali Abubakar and aides; RSF adviser confirmed the loss	rising fear and instability; potential humanitarian repercussions
umbro locality, North Darfur	RSF vs SAF	Continued clashes reported	Displacement of thousands; humanitarian access strained
National outlook	RSF controls much of Darfur; SAF holds most other states including khartoum	Ongoing multi-state conflict	Expanding humanitarian crisis; tens of thousands displaced across the country

What this means for civilians and stability

The fighting across central sudan and Darfur compounds a crisis that already spans several years. Civilians face mounting displacement, constrained access to aid, and heightened safety risks as clashes shift and intensify. Without durable ceasefire talks or credible political negotiations, the risk of broader spillover remains.

International actors continue to urge humanitarian access and protection for civilians, while regional dynamics underscore the need for verified accountability and stable governance mechanisms to prevent further chaos.

evergreen insights

Long-term observers note that sustained violence in central Sudan and Darfur often undermines civilian resilience, disrupts essential services, and complicates cross-border cooperation. Restoring security will require a combination of ceasefire commitments, humanitarian corridors, and credible political dialog that includes all major factions and affected communities.

Two questions for readers

What practical steps can international organizations take to improve civilian protection and access to aid in conflict zones like North Kordofan and Darfur?

How can regional diplomacy be leveraged to reduce flare-ups and pave the way for inclusive negotiations?

Share this update and tell us your thoughts in the comments below.

What are the potential consequences of SudanS army capturing South Sudanese fighters in North Kordofan amid RSF clashes?

Sudan’s Army Captures Over 10 South Sudanese Fighters in North Kordofan Amid RSF Clashes

1. Background of Sudan‑south sudan border tensions

• Historical context: Since South Sudan’s independence in 2011, porous borders have allowed armed groups to move between the two nations.
• Recent escalations: The ongoing power struggle between Sudan’s regular army (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has intensified cross‑border incursions, especially in the western and central regions.
• Strategic significance of North Kordofan: The province sits at the intersection of major supply routes, making it a hotspot for guerrilla activity and a focal point for both SAF and RSF operations.

2. Details of the Capture in North Kordofan

Parameter	Information
Date of incident	2 January 2026 (reported on 3 January 2026)
Location	Near the town of Al‑Ubayyid, North Kordofan governorate
Forces involved	Sudanese Army units (3rd Infantry Division) vs. over 10 South Sudanese fighters linked to an unidentified militia
Outcome	All fighters captured; weapons cache seized (estimated 15 AK‑47s, 5 RPG‑7 launchers, ammunition)
Casualties	No SAF casualties reported; minor injuries among captured fighters treated by field medics

– Operational timeline

1. 02:30 UTC – Intelligence gathered from aerial reconnaissance identifies a mobile group near Al‑Ubayyid.
2. 03:10 UTC – SAF patrols initiate contact, demanding surrender.
3. 03:20 UTC – Fighters attempt to withdraw; SAF blocks escape routes and secures the perimeter.
4. 03:45 UTC – All combatants surrender; SAF detains them for interrogation.

3. Implications for the RSF‑SAF Conflict

• Shift in tactical focus: The capture demonstrates SAF’s willingness to target foreign combatants that could tilt the balance in RSF‑controlled areas.
• potential RSF retaliation: RSF may exploit the incident to rally anti‑South Sudanese sentiment, possibly leading to heightened security measures along the border.
• Impact on militia recruitment: News of the capture could deter external fighters from joining RSF‑aligned groups, reducing the flow of foreign mercenaries into Sudan.

4. Humanitarian Impact

• Displacement: Local villages reported a temporary surge of internally displaced persons (IDPs) fearing spill‑over violence.
• Medical response: Field hospitals provided basic care to injured captives; NGOs like Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) are monitoring the situation.
• Human rights concerns: International observers call for obvious handling of detainees to ensure compliance with the Geneva Conventions.

5. International Reactions

• South Sudan’s government: Issued a diplomatic protest,requesting consular access to the captured fighters and emphasizing the need for joint border security mechanisms.
• African Union (AU): Urged both Sudanese parties to refrain from further cross‑border escalations and to engage in dialog through the AU Peace and Security Council.
• United Nations (UN): The UN office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) announced an emergency assessment of civilian needs in North Kordofan.

6.practical Tips for Journalists and Analysts

1. Verify sources: Cross‑check statements from SAF, RSF, and self-reliant monitors to avoid misinformation.
2. Map the terrain: Use satellite imagery to understand movement patterns of armed groups in the Kordofan corridor.
3. Monitor humanitarian data: Track IDP registrations and medical reports for early indicators of broader conflict spill‑over.
4. Engage local contacts: Community leaders provide real‑time insights into how the capture affects daily life and security perceptions.

7. case Study: Similar Cross‑border Incidents

• 2019 – Darfur–South Sudan border raid: Sudanese forces detained 7 south Sudanese militia members after a raid on a cattle‑smuggling convoy, leading to a brief ceasefire negotiation.
• 2022 – Blue Nile ambush: RSF-aligned fighters captured 4 Ugandan mercenaries, prompting regional calls for a joint security framework.

Key takeaways

• Cross‑border captures frequently enough act as flashpoints that can either de‑escalate or inflame existing conflicts.
• Transparent handling of detainees and swift humanitarian response are critical to preventing escalation into larger regional crises.