The Sudanese army reclaimed Sinjah, the capital of Sennar state, from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) after intense battles, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing conflict. Thousands of residents celebrated the victory, while fighting intensified in other regions, leaving civilians displaced and vulnerable.
On Saturday, the army announced the successful recapture of Sinjah, which had been under RSF control since June. A video released by the military showed troops occupying the headquarters of the 17th Infantry Division. The army declared the operation a triumph in its mission to cleanse the country of RSF forces, referred to as a “terrorist militia” by military leaders.
The campaign to reclaim Sinjah involved mobilizing forces from Al Dinder, Al Suki, Sennar, and Blue Nile. Troops advanced steadily, retaking towns and villages en route to the city. Military sources confirmed that all entry and exit points to Sinjah were secured following drone and artillery strikes. Following this victory, the army is advancing toward RSF-held areas, including Al Dali, Al Mazmoum, and Abu Hajar.
General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Sudan’s army chief and leader of the Sovereign Council, visited Sinjah shortly after its liberation. He praised the forces for their success, describing it as a turning point in the conflict and expressing a commitment to restoring stability across Sudan.
While the army tightens control over Sennar and the Blue Nile, RSF fighters remain active in some areas, including Al Dali and Abu Hajar, near the South Sudanese border. The Sudanese military called on South Sudan to prevent RSF forces from crossing the border, accusing them of fleeing with looted resources.
Elsewhere, violence escalated in Darfur, where RSF forces shelled the Abushok displacement camp in El Fasher, North Darfur. At least seven people were killed, and dozens were injured in the attack on the camp, which houses over 400,000 displaced persons. Many residents have already fled to nearby towns such as Tawila to escape ongoing violence.
Eyewitnesses reported RSF artillery targeting civilian areas in El Fasher, including residential neighborhoods and key infrastructure such as El Fasher Airport. In response, Sudanese military aircraft launched airstrikes on RSF positions, leading to powerful explosions and smoke plumes over the city.
The Sudanese government condemned the RSF attacks, vowing justice for the atrocities committed during the conflict. Officials described the recapture of Sinjah as a symbol of the resilience of the Sudanese people and their armed forces, signaling hope for further advances toward restoring peace and stability.
Despite the recent victories, the conflict continues to displace thousands, with humanitarian needs escalating across the affected regions. As fighting persists, international observers remain concerned about the growing toll on civilians and the potential for further instability in Sudan.
