Sudanese Army Advances in West Kordofan and South Blue Nile

Sudan Events – Agencies
Local sources have reported that the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), supported by factions of the “Joint Forces” (movements from Darfur), are making significant advances in towns within West Kordofan State, bringing them closer to the city of Al-Khuwei, which is entirely under the control of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The Sudanese army had previously suffered heavy losses during battles in Al-Khuwei in mid-May, which forced it to retreat to its main military base in El-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan State. Media outlets closely aligned with the army stated that its forces have been advancing over the past two days, capturing several towns and nearing full control of Al-Khuwei. The RSF has not commented on the ongoing battles in the area.
Capturing Al-Khuwei could pave the way for the Sudanese army to advance toward the strategic city of An-Nuhud, the third-largest city in Kordofan and a logistical hub for the RSF. The RSF uses An-Nuhud as a forward defensive line protecting El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State. This military progress is particularly important as it could partially break the siege imposed by the RSF on El-Obeid and secure army convoys aiming to relieve the siege on El-Fasher.
Battles in South Blue Nile
In South Kordofan State, the Sudanese army repelled a fresh attack by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) led by Abdelaziz Adam Al-Hilu, targeting the areas of Al-Karqal and Al-Dashoul. Army spokesperson Nabil Abdullah said that the 14th Infantry Division based in Kadugli repelled the attack on Tuesday, adding in a press statement: “Our forces captured several weapons, combat vehicles, and three tanks.”
Army personnel released footage showing the seized tanks after what they described as the defeat and retreat of SPLM forces.
Reports from the region indicate that the Sudanese army has taken full control of Al-Karqal in Habila locality after fierce battles with Al-Hilu’s faction.
Since joining the “Founding Sudan Alliance” alongside the RSF, the SPLM has intensified its military operations against the Sudanese army in areas surrounding the city of Dilling, the second-largest city in South Kordofan, located south of El-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan.
According to field sources, SPLM forces have withdrawn to areas surrounding their main stronghold in the city of Kauda, but are expected to attempt a counteroffensive to regain control of the strategic Al-Karqal area, which was previously under their control.
Grave Violations
Meanwhile, the United Nations Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan warned of the escalating civil war, which could lead to more civilian casualties caught in the conflict. The mission urged the international community to enforce an arms embargo on combatants in Sudan and ensure accountability for serious human rights violations.
In its latest report presented to the Human Rights Council in Geneva on Tuesday, the mission documented a sharp increase in the use of heavy weapons in populated areas, as well as a dramatic rise in sexual and gender-based violence. The head of the mission, Mohamed Chande Othman, stated: “The conflict in Sudan is far from over.” He added, “The scale of human suffering continues to grow, alongside the collapse of governance, militarization of society, and foreign interference — all of which are fueling an increasingly bloody crisis.”
The war, which erupted in April 2023 between the SAF and RSF, has led to the deaths of thousands of Sudanese and the displacement of over 13 million people.
Mission member Mona Rishmawi noted that the devastating war in Sudan is entering its third year with no sign of resolution. She said, “We all know — though a reminder may be necessary — that civilians continue to bear the brunt of escalating violence and clashes.”
The report noted that both parties to the conflict have escalated their use of heavy weapons in populated areas. Civilians in the vicinity of El-Fasher have been subjected to assaults, arbitrary detention, and killings, with villages attacked, burned, and looted by the RSF.
In areas recaptured by the Sudanese army in Khartoum, Al-Jazirah, and Sennar, the mission documented widespread acts of retaliatory violence, including arbitrary detentions, torture, and in some cases, executions. The Fact-Finding Mission also found a steep rise in sexual and gender-based violence, with women and girls subjected to gang rape, abduction, sexual slavery, and forced marriage, particularly in displacement camps under RSF control.
In May, the mission held consultative meetings on accountability in Nairobi, Kenya, stressing the importance of preserving evidence with integrity — even if achieving accountability takes years or decades.
Civilian Coalition’s Vision
In related developments, the Democratic Civil Alliance (Samood) in Sudan, led by former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, called for an immediate end to the war through negotiations, emphasizing the impossibility of a military solution. It renewed its call for dismantling the former regime of ousted President Omar al-Bashir, banning his National Congress Party, restructuring the military and security institutions, and establishing a transitional civilian government for five years to prepare for free and fair elections.
The alliance pledged to present its vision to political and civil forces for consultation on a unified national project.
“Samood” announced that it has finalized a political vision document aimed at ending the wars and rebuilding the civil state. The document will be presented to all political, women’s, youth, and civil groups to achieve a unified national consensus.
The document, obtained by Asharq Al-Awsat, states that the conflict in Sudan cannot be resolved militarily, regardless of its duration. The only viable path to end the suffering and preserve the country’s unity is the immediate cessation of hostilities and the launch of a credible, Sudanese-led comprehensive peace process that addresses the roots of the crisis, including its humanitarian dimensions and a political roadmap.
“Samood” expects that the proposed process will result in a permanent ceasefire, a comprehensive peace agreement, and a transition to a widely agreed-upon constitutional framework. This would revive the spirit of the December Revolution, pave the way for democratic civilian rule, and establish a unified, professional, and national security and military system free from political and economic interference.