Sudan's RSF says it captured key town near Ethiopian and South Sudan borders

Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) claimed on Thursday that its troops had captured the town of Al Kurmuk, a strategically located settlement near the borders with Ethiopia and South Sudan. This marks the second such town seized by the RSF in the Blue Nile state within a week, according to local reports. The capture of Al Kurmuk is described as a significant step in the RSF’s ongoing campaign to displace the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), its primary military rival since the outbreak of the civil war in April 2023. The town lies just over 140 kilometers from Damazin, the regional capital of Blue Nile State, and approximately 160 kilometers from the Roseires Dam, a crucial hydroelectric facility that supplies much of Sudan’s electricity. Its strategic position near international borders adds to its importance, as it sits along a route that connects Sudan to both Ethiopia and South Sudan. The RSF stated in a press release that its forces drove out SAF combatants from the town and seized substantial quantities of weapons and ammunition. While no casualties were officially reported, video clips circulating online show RSF soldiers celebrating their success. Earlier in the week, the RSF had already captured the town of Qayssan, also in Blue Nile State, where it reportedly enjoys support from a prominent rebel faction. The SAF has not issued any public response to these losses, suggesting either a lack of immediate countermeasures or a deliberate strategy to avoid drawing attention to its vulnerabilities. These territorial gains appear to be part of a broader effort by the RSF to consolidate control over key regions and challenge the SAF’s dominance in the country. The RSF’s advances follow recent battlefield successes by the SAF in Kordofan state, a central region that has seen intense fighting since the army lost its last stronghold in Darfur late last year. The conflict has shifted increasingly toward Kordofan, where the RSF and its allies continue their efforts to secure the area following their near-complete control of Darfur. Meanwhile, the SAF maintains control over the capital, Khartoum, as well as the northern, eastern, and central regions of the country. The war, now in its fourth year, has resulted in widespread devastation. According to the United Nations, the conflict has triggered one of the worst humanitarian crises globally, with an estimated 20 million people facing severe food shortages. Over 14 million individuals have been displaced since the violence began in early 2023. The death toll continues to rise, though exact numbers remain difficult to confirm due to the chaotic nature of the conflict and limited access to affected areas. In addition to the ground operations, the RSF has intensified its aerial campaigns, with reports indicating that suspected drones struck multiple locations across Sudan. On Wednesday, residents in Khartoum and surrounding areas reported explosions and smoke plumes attributed to drone attacks. These strikes targeted military installations, including the Fifth Infantry Division’s base in Al Obeid, a city in Kordofan state that has been under prolonged siege by the RSF. While the RSF did not comment on the attacks, the timing suggests a coordinated escalation of pressure against the SAF. The conflict between the RSF and the SAF has deep roots, dating back to years of political tensions between General Abdel Fattah Al Burhan, head of the Sudanese Armed Forces, and General Mohamed Dagalo, leader of the RSF. Their rivalry, initially centered on governance and military authority, escalated into outright warfare in April 2023. Since then, the country has descended into chaos, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. As the war enters its fourth year, the situation shows little sign of abating, with both sides continuing to vie for control over critical territories and resources.