Sudan War: The Phase of Neutralizing Support and Backers

Report – Sudan Events

The Chairman of Sudan’s Sovereignty Council and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, on Monday expressed confidence in the army and supporting forces’ ability to decisively win the battle. Speaking from inside the Republican Palace in Khartoum, he congratulated citizens on the advent of the New Year, stressing that victory is coming and will stand with the Sudanese people.

Al-Burhan praised the supporting forces and political actors who stood by their people and supported their cause, saying they deserve commendation for their role in what he described as the “Battle of Dignity.” He added: “We welcome everyone who wishes to join the voice of the homeland and truth, and the doors of national reconciliation are wide open.” He continued: “We will work tirelessly to establish a state of homeland and citizenship, and to realize our people’s aspirations for peace, freedom, and justice. We stand with the people and their revolution.” He also warned that “whoever betrays and sells out his country will not prevail, and those who chase the mirage of countries that speak of illusions will see their hopes shattered on this land.”

Hours before al-Burhan’s speech, the army advanced on the North Kordofan axis, pushing into the areas of Kazgeil, Al-Hamadi, Al-Riyash, Heibila, and Al-Dibibat, on the road toward Dilling and Kadugli. Videos circulating on social media showed army troops entering the city of Dilling and lifting the siege imposed on it, indicating the securing of supply routes and the start of movement toward Kadugli to break its siege and secure surrounding areas.

Militia forces are reportedly facing serious logistical challenges amid the expansion of military operations, which has led them into multiple ambushes, according to new tactics adopted by the army. These tactics aim to strike any incoming reinforcements or flanking attempts by the militia, which since the first shots of the war has relied heavily on rapid reinforcement and maneuver warfare in Kordofan, taking advantage of its knowledge of the terrain and speed of movement. The army is now countering this approach effectively through the use of drones that protect its rear positions, destroy militia reinforcements and flanking units, and simultaneously sever supply lines.

Local sources indicated that the militia has begun relying on remote dirt airstrips far from cities to receive supply and evacuation aircraft, avoiding Nyala Airport, which has become a primary target for army warplanes and drones.

The army commander-in-chief was recently seen bidding farewell to military columns heading toward operational zones. Photographs showed him having “morning tea” in a remote desert area at dawn on the final days of 2025.

Retired Brigadier Al-Nour Mohamed Zein Al-Abideen said the army and its supporting forces are laying the foundation for a firm determination to liberate territory. “This is evident in the names given to the military columns heading toward Kordofan and Darfur, and in the insistence on reclaiming areas regardless of the cost,” he said, adding that preparatory measures taken before the main offensive significantly reduced the militia’s ability to maneuver.

He explained that the militia, by virtue of its structure and training, is an offensive force that neither understands nor excels at organizing defensive positions. “Sustained offensive pressure usually deprives it of the ability to defend and concentrate, dispersing its forces into isolated pockets—something that has become evident in its engagements with the army,” he said.

Zein Al-Abideen acknowledged that the battle in Kordofan has been prolonged, but noted that the militia had deployed most of its forces there, considering the region a forward defensive line for its strongholds in Darfur. “Those who live in those areas know that militia forces in many locations are very limited, lightly armed, and even struggle to secure fuel and basic supplies, as most resources are diverted to the front lines,” he said, adding that many fighters are underage children.

He further revealed that the militia faced major difficulties recently in assembling reinforcement units for areas such as Heibila. “They found no one but children, loaded them onto trucks, and sent them into battle with light weapons and no training. Most of them were either killed or captured,” he said.

Meanwhile, retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Nader Al-Eidrous said recent upgrades to the air force’s capabilities will soon be reflected in ongoing operations in Kordofan and Darfur. “The armed forces have significantly developed their capabilities during the war and successfully rebuilt themselves to confront a major threat backed by international and regional powers with money and influence,” he said.

He stressed that a force capable of repairing and enhancing its capacities is also capable of achieving victory, echoing the army commander’s pledge to defeat forces seeking to dismantle the Sudanese state and turn it into a colony plagued by chaos. “In my assessment, operations in Kordofan will not take much longer. With the beginning of the New Year, we will enter the major Darfur battles, God willing. These will be less costly, as the militia is already on the path to disintegration,” he said.

He concluded by emphasizing that “the critical step now is to remove the UAE from the equation, neutralize it and its support, because without that backing, the militia and its allies will not hold.”