Sudanese army thwarts RSF assault on Babnousa in West Kordofan

The Sudanese army has successfully repelled an attack by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces on the city of Babnousa in West Kordofan, according to witness accounts and local sources. The RSF launched the assault using artillery shelling and combat vehicles but was pushed back by army units defending the strategic location.

Details of the Clash

Witnesses reported that RSF fighters shelled Babnousa before advancing with armed vehicles toward army positions. Sudanese soldiers confirmed on social media that they had driven back the RSF militants and were conducting clearing operations in the area. The Babnousa Emergency Room, a local aid committee, stated that the army successfully defended its 22nd Infantry Division headquarters, though it did not provide figures on casualties or material damage.

Humanitarian Crisis

The committee described Babnousa as a “ghost town,” noting that approximately 177,000 people have fled the city due to repeated clashes between the army and the RSF. The mass displacement underscores the severe impact of the conflict on civilians, many of whom have lost homes and livelihoods.

Broader Conflict Context

The Sudanese army has recently resorted to airdropping supplies to its forces in Babnousa amid continued RSF attempts to capture the area. The war between the army and the RSF, which began in April 2023, has killed thousands and displaced millions across Sudan, despite repeated regional and international mediation efforts.