The Military Significance of the Entry of Al-Sayad Mobile Force into El-Obeid
Brigadier General Omar Abdulrahman Omar Bashari
With the grace and power of God, the Al-Sayad Mobile Force entered the city of El-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan State, on the afternoon of Sunday, February 23, 2024. The city had been under siege and isolation since the first day of the war on April 15, 2023, when the treacherous attack began, targeting El-Obeid Airport, specifically the Sudanese Air Force fighter jets stationed there. This was followed by multiple attempts to attack the 5th Infantry Division (Haganah), one of the oldest units of the Sudanese Armed Forces, which had one of its banners removed—a story to be discussed later to explain the concept of removed and granted banners.
The lifting of the siege on El-Obeid marks a turning point in the Dignity War, striking a heavy blow against the rebellious militia and those who finance and supply them with combat resources, including foreign mercenaries from across the world.
Strategic and Military Importance of El-Obeid
El-Obeid holds immense strategic and military significance due to its geographical location at the heart of greater Sudan, serving as a crucial transportation hub connecting various parts of the country through an extensive network of roads and air routes, including:
The Obeid–Bara–Omdurman Export Road
The Obeid–Um Rawaba–Kosti Road (leading to Khartoum, Sennar, Madani, Gedaref, Kassala, and Port Sudan)
The Obeid–Nahud–El Fasher Road
The Obeid–Dilling–Kadugli Road
Additional routes extending to Abu Karshola, Abu Jubeiha, and other parts of South Kordofan.
The Obeid Airfield is also of great military and civilian importance, as it is the nearest operational airport to Greater Darfur, which is the next stage in the liberation of all its occupied cities from the militia.
Economic Importance of El-Obeid
El-Obeid is economically vital, housing one of the largest agricultural commodity exchanges in Sudan. It is from here that the famous phrase “Kordofan, the Black Land of Blessings Inside and Out” originated, as the region has long been a major producer and exporter of key agricultural crops, including:
Gum Arabic
Sesame
Millet
Hibiscus (Karkade)
Watermelon seeds
Peanuts
Additionally, the area boasts a vast livestock sector, further enhancing its economic significance.
Military Implications of Al-Sayad Force’s Entry into El-Obeid
The entry of the Al-Sayad Mobile Force into El-Obeid effectively opens a new supply route via Kosti–El-Obeid Road, easing the humanitarian crisis for the people of North Kordofan by restoring access to food, medicine, electricity, water, telecommunications, and healthcare services.
From a military standpoint, securing El-Obeid means enhanced logistical support for the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), in line with the General Command’s strategy to crush the rebellion completely. The city will now serve as a staging area for operations westward towards:
Nahud
El Fasher
Nyala
Zalingei
El Geneina
Ed Daein
Additionally, the next immediate objective is securing Bara to cut off the retreating militia forces fleeing from Khartoum via Omdurman.
Confidence in the Sudanese Armed Forces
Since the first day of the war, we have declared our full confidence in our great army—not without reason, but based on its professionalism, capabilities, and extensive experience, which have enabled it to withstand the largest invasion in Sudan’s history. The Sudanese Armed Forces, alongside other security forces, joint forces, and civilian volunteers, have steadfastly defended the country.
As we previously celebrated the liberation of Jebel Moya and the victories that followed, we now bring good news to the Sudanese people: this major breakthrough will significantly impact upcoming operations, leading to further victories and major advances in the near future, God willing.
Soon, Sudan will be completely cleansed of the terrorist Dagalo militia, paving the way for the real battle—the reconstruction of Sudan on a solid foundation based on hard work, justice, and balanced development.
