Sudanese army launches new operations in North Kordofan after retaking Sodari

The Sudanese army intensified its operations in the southeast of Umm Badr and the Mazroub area in North Kordofan on Saturday, a day after regaining control of the city of Sodari. Meanwhile, the army’s air force continued to target Rapid Support Forces (RSF) positions and strongholds in preparation for infantry advances on western fronts.

Military sources told Al Arabiya/Al Hadath that the army’s air force carried out strikes on RSF positions and fortifications west and south of Sodari, coinciding with the deployment of special task forces to conduct targeted operations in those areas.

According to the sources, ground operations are expected to escalate in the coming hours, alongside continued airstrikes and special task force missions against RSF defenses. The army is seeking to expand westward and advance toward West Kordofan state.

On Friday, the Sudanese army established full control over the strategic city of Sodari in North Kordofan after fierce battles with the RSF, whose fighters withdrew westward following intense army attacks.

This development follows recent advances by the army in North Kordofan, which announced on September 17 that it had taken control of 11 areas, including Al-Kawkaiti, Kajmar, Shershar, Al-Qulaiyat, and regions around Mazroub.

The Kordofan front has become increasingly significant in the conflict due to its location as a link between central Sudan and the Darfur region, as fighting between the Sudanese army and the RSF has continued since mid-April 2023.

The war has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions within Sudan and beyond, also causing famine to spread in several areas.