Sudanese forces reopen vital supply routes in Obeid city

Sudanese military forces have successfully lifted a year-long siege on the strategically vital city of Obeid, reopening access to the central-southern region and bolstering crucial supply routes amid the ongoing conflict with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The military also ousted RSF forces from their final stronghold in the White Nile province, marking a significant setback for the group, as reported by military spokesperson Brigadier General Nabil Abdulla, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Sudan has been engulfed in chaos since April 2023, when escalating tensions between the military and security forces erupted into full-scale war across the country. The conflict has resulted in widespread destruction, particularly in Khartoum and other urban areas, and has been marred by atrocities, including mass rapes and ethnic killings, which international organizations have classified as war crimes and crimes against humanity, especially in Darfur.

Brigadier General Abdulla confirmed that Sudanese forces managed to reopen the vital road to Obeid, lifting the RSF siege on the city, which serves as the capital of North Kordofan province. Obeid is home to a large airbase and the 5th Infantry Division, known as Hagana, making it a key military and logistical hub. The city, located on the railway linking Khartoum with Nyala in South Darfur, had been under siege since the conflict began nearly a year ago. Finance Minister Jibril Ibrahim praised the military's success in Obeid, calling it a “significant step” in breaking the RSF’s siege on El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, and facilitating much-needed humanitarian aid to the Kordofan region. 

The latest setbacks for the RSF are part of a broader series of defeats that began in September when Sudanese forces launched an offensive to reclaim the Greater Khartoum area, including Khartoum, Omdurman, and North Khartoum (Bahri). Since then, the military has regained control over strategic areas, including its main headquarters, and is reportedly close to retaking the Republican Palace—targeted by RSF forces early in the war in an attempt to assassinate army commander General Abdel-Fattah Burhan. The RSF has suffered further losses, including the loss of control over Wad Madani, the capital of Al Gezira province, and several other regions. 

The military also regained control of the country’s largest oil refinery. These victories mark a significant shift in the military’s favour as the conflict nears its two-year mark, with no peaceful resolution in sight. Despite international mediation efforts, including US claims of genocide by the RSF and its affiliates, the fighting continues unabated. Meanwhile, the RSF and its allies have signed a charter that could pave the way for the creation of a parallel government, raising concerns about the potential fragmentation of Sudan.

By Naila Huseynova