Sudanese Army Secures Strategic Town from RSF Near Ethiopian Border

Sudanese Army Gains Ground in Blue Nile State

The Sudanese army has successfully retaken the strategically important town of Khor Hassan from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a key development in the ongoing civil war that has engulfed the country since April 2023. This operation, announced in a statement on Friday, is part of a broader strategy to regain territory in southeastern Blue Nile state, which is vital for both military and economic reasons.

Context of the Conflict

Khor Hassan had been under RSF control since March, supported by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N). The RSF's occupation of this town has significantly impacted the control over trade routes and military supplies in the region. Analysts highlight the importance of Blue Nile state due to its geographical position, which serves as a gateway to central Sudan, making it crucial for any further advancement by the Sudanese army.

The Sudanese military claims that in this recent engagement, they inflicted considerable loss on RSF personnel and military equipment, signaling a potential shift in the dynamics of the conflict. The RSF, however, has positioned Khor Hassan as a launchpad for its operations, raising the stakes for both sides involved in this protracted fight.

Strategic Importance of Khor Hassan

The recapture of Khor Hassan fits into the military's larger objective of seizing the town of Kurmuk, another significant location near the Ethiopian border. Control of Kurmuk would facilitate access to critical infrastructure, such as the Al-Roseires Dam, and enhance supply lines. Reporting on the situation, Al Jazeera's Hiba Morgan indicated that the RSF’s presence in the region relies heavily on the resources and logistical routes that Blue Nile provides.

The conflict has escalated dramatically since it began as a power struggle between rival military leaders Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, leading to catastrophic loss of life and mass displacement within Sudan. Over 150,000 people have reportedly died since the war's outbreak, with more than 12 million people displaced, underscoring the dire humanitarian situation stemming from this conflict.