Sudanese army repels major RSF attack in West Kordofan

Sudanese army units have repulsed a major offensive by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces against the strategic city of Babnousa in West Kordofan state. According to a military source, troops from the 22nd Infantry Division successfully defended against an RSF assault that persisted for over four hours, employing both heavy and light weapons alongside drone technology in the engagement.

Military Tactics and Casualties

The anonymous military source reported that the army inflicted significant personnel and equipment losses on the attacking RSF forces during the prolonged confrontation. The rebel group had previously announced on its Telegram channel that it was dispatching military reinforcements to Babnousa as part of ongoing efforts to capture the city, which has been surrounded by RSF forces since January 2024.

Ongoing Conflict Dynamics

Heavy combat involving drones and various weapon systems resumed in Babnousa last Wednesday, continuing the pattern of intense fighting that has characterized the region. The Sudanese army has recently conducted aerial supply drops to sustain its forces within the besieged city, highlighting the challenging logistical circumstances facing government troops in the contested area.

Broader Regional Conflict Context

The Babnousa battles form part of wider hostilities spanning North, West, and South Kordofan between the Sudanese military and the rebel paramilitary group. Last month, the RSF captured El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, amid allegations of committing massacres. The conflict has created a fragmented control map, with the RSF dominating all five Darfur states while the army maintains authority over most of Sudan's remaining thirteen states, including the capital Khartoum.