Sudanese Army Breaks RSF Siege on Key Southern City of El-Obeid, Marks Strategic Milestone

The Sudanese army announced on Sunday that it has effectively lifted a paramilitary siege surrounding El-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, marking a significant advance...

Sudanese Army Breaks RSF Siege on Key Southern City of El-Obeid, Marks Strategic Milestone

The Sudanese army announced on Sunday that it has effectively lifted a paramilitary siege surrounding El-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, marking a significant advance in its ongoing conflict with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This military achievement comes as part of a broader campaign aimed at reclaiming territory amid a civil war that erupted in April 2023.

According to army spokesman Nabil Abdallah, the forces have successfully reopened vital access roads to El-Obeid and coordinated with troops stationed to the east of the city. El-Obeid is strategically located, serving as a critical junction that connects the capital city of Khartoum to western Sudan, particularly the troubled region of Darfur, which has largely fallen under the control of the RSF.

An army source emphasized the importance of this operation, highlighting that El-Obeid’s position — especially its airport — is vital for linking different parts of Sudan. The city has endured a protracted siege by the RSF, which has severely impacted residents by creating significant shortages of essential goods and medical supplies.

Celebrations erupted among the local population as news of the siege’s lifting spread. Residents like Ahmed Hussein, a 53-year-old trader, expressed relief and joy, noting that the lifting of the siege would restore life back to the city. “We breathed a sigh of relief after months of suffering and patience,” shared Nadia Hamed, a local teacher, reflecting on the hardships endured during the siege.

In light of the strategic significance of this military success, Gibril Ibrahim, the finance minister in the army-aligned government, described the breaking of the siege as a “turning point” in the ongoing conflict. He projected that this victory represents a shift towards broader success for the army, intending to further extend the operation to alleviate the siege affecting El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, which remains a critical stronghold for the armed forces.

The conflict in Sudan has resulted in immense human suffering, with tens of thousands of casualties and more than 12 million people forcibly displaced, prompting urgent humanitarian needs. As the army continues to advance and reclaim territory, the divide between regions controlled by the army and the RSF has become increasingly pronounced. The army maintains control over much of the north and east, while the RSF dominates nearly all of Darfur and parts of the south.

As events continue to unfold, securing routes for the delivery of necessities such as food and medicine in the Kordofan region is expected to be a priority, aiming to alleviate the significant humanitarian crisis sparked by the ongoing conflict.

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