Sudanese Army Cuts RSF Supply Lines in Southern Kordofan
Recent gains by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in Southern Kordofan may allow the army to cut off the Rapid Support Forces' (RSF) supply lines and eventually advance into Darfur, analysts say.
Recent gains by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in Southern Kordofan may allow the army to cut off the Rapid Support Forces’ (RSF) supply lines and eventually advance into Darfur, analysts say.
The devastating conflict between the SAF and the paramilitary RSF has raged for over two and a half years, causing massive displacement and creating what the United Nations calls the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. Tens of thousands have been killed, and millions forced to flee their homes. According to the UN, 24.6 million people face acute food insecurity, while 19 million lack access to safe water and sanitation.
Why Bara Matters
In September, SAF captured the strategic city of Bara, a key RSF logistics hub and reinforcement muster point. Bara lies about 350 km southwest of Khartoum on the “Export Road” connecting the capital to El-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan.
The city is vital not only for transporting goods from Hartum to El-Obeid but also for its own agricultural products and livestock exports. From El-Obeid, roads extend to South Sudan, eastern Sudan, and Darfur in the west, while routes from Khartoum lead to Port Sudan on the Red Sea, Egypt, Eritrea, and Ethiopia.
Taking Bara gives SAF secure control over the Export Road, strengthening its supply lines and enabling further operations in western Sudan, according to independent military and political analyst Akram Ali.
How SAF Took Bara
On September 11, SAF launched a southern offensive on Bara, while RSF defenses were concentrated on the eastern side, explained analyst Abdul Majeed Abdul Hamid.
The army conducted continuous drone strikes on RSF targets and deployed the Darfur Track Armed Struggle Movement, a fast-moving assault unit, from El-Obeid. The unit successfully engaged and defeated RSF forces defending the city, entering Bara with heavy firepower. The operation relied on speed and multi-front pressure to prevent RSF reinforcements.
Most civilians in Bara supported SAF, prompting a swift RSF retreat. The capture of Bara cut off RSF supply and reinforcement routes, isolating their remaining positions in areas such as Al-Khuwei to the west and Al-Nahud to the east.
Implications for Kordofan and Darfur
Bara’s capture also ended the RSF siege of El-Obeid. For RSF, maintaining a foothold in Kordofan was crucial to pressure SAF-controlled areas to the north and maintain supply routes to Darfur and South Sudan. Losing Bara significantly weakens their position in the region.
Political analyst Ahmed Shomokh said liberating Bara allows SAF to reactivate the El-Obeid air base, the largest in Kordofan, enhancing the army’s logistical and combat capabilities after two years of inactivity. Abdul Hamid added that taking back all of Kordofan would enable SAF to push toward Darfur.
“The army has the experience and personnel to liberate Kordofan with the same capabilities it used to retake central Sudanese cities and the capital,” Abdul Hamid said.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The war has overwhelmed hospitals and medical services. Disease outbreaks are widespread, and millions remain displaced or without access to basic necessities. The ongoing conflict has left Sudan with the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, affecting tens of millions of people.