Sudanese Army Ends Two-Year RSF Siege of El Obeid

Sudanese Army Breaks RSF Siege of El Obeid After Two Years

The Sudanese army announced on Sunday that it had broken the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) siege of El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan State, by deploying rapid support units. This operation allowed the army to connect its forces advancing from the White Nile State with those stationed in the city, ending a siege that had lasted nearly two years.

In recent weeks, the army's "Al-Saiyad" mobile force, primarily composed of the 16th Infantry Division troops from Nyala and South Darfur, captured Um Rawaba and Al-Rahad before advancing toward El Obeid through the Al-Gahad and Kordofan mountains. Sudanese Army Spokesperson Brigadier General Nabil Abdallah stated, "Our forces on the Al-Saiyad axis have successfully opened the path to El Obeid."

The army released images showing its soldiers linking up with White Nile State troops inside El Obeid. The commander of the 5th Division was also seen welcoming the troops at the city's entrance. Residents of El Obeid, Um Rawaba, and Al-Rahad reportedly celebrated the breaking of the siege with joy.

The RSF siege of El Obeid had caused a humanitarian crisis, with restrictions on aid and trade convoys leading to shortages of essential supplies. Since the war began on April 15, 2023, the RSF has sought to capture El Obeid, a strategic city connecting Kordofan and Darfur states to the capital, Khartoum, and central regions.

The city's airport, occasionally used for military purposes, has been a focal point of heavy fighting. However, the RSF has been unable to capture El Obeid due to the Sudanese army's strong defensive capabilities.

El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, is now expected to serve as a military base for operations in western Sudan and future campaigns, according to military leaders.