Intense battles broke out yesterday as Sudanese military forces clashed with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) along the key route linking the capital of North Kordofan, El Obeid, to the army-held state of White Nile.
The conflict ignited when the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) initiated dual assaults from El Obeid towards the RSF stronghold at Mount Kordofan and from Tendelti towards Umm Ruwaba, aiming to secure the critical Kordofan road.
The confrontations span a 200 km stretch from El Obeid’s 5th Infantry Division, known as the “Camel Army,” to Tendelti in White Nile. This area includes several RSF-dominated cities such as Umm Ruwaba and Rahad. Combat footage from yesterday shows SAF troops being defeated at multiple points, including near Mount Kordofan, about 15 km from El Obeid, and along the road between Tendelti and Umm Ruwaba.
Casualty reports suggest that at least 200 SAF soldiers were killed in yesterday’s conflicts, with estimates of the total fatalities ranging from 500 to 1000, as RSF forces also sustained significant losses. Among the RSF casualties were a lieutenant colonel, two captains, and two lieutenants.
Following the day’s skirmishes, the RSF declared a significant triumph in their defense against SAF’s efforts to open the national Kosti-El Obeid road, claiming they inflicted severe casualties and equipment losses on the government forces.