Sudanese Military Intensifies Strikes in South Kordofan as Humanitarian Crisis Deepens in White Nile

The conflict in Sudan has escalated in South Kordofan, with military sources reporting significant casualties among the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) following targeted drone strikes near the town of "Barno." The Sudanese Army stated that these strikes thwarted an RSF mobilization intended to attack the strategic "Al-Taqatu" station near Kadugli, the state capital. Conversely, the RSF claimed to have downed an army drone in the same vicinity, alleging it had targeted civilians.

On the economic front, RSF’s "Petroleum Committee" announced the deployment of its forces within the Heglig oil field—Sudan's largest—near the border with South Sudan, pledging to secure the facility and protect workers to ensure continued production. However, this military maneuvering coincides with a deteriorating humanitarian situation. In White Nile State, the city of Kosti has seen an influx of over 2,850 displaced persons fleeing combat in Kadugli, Dilling, and Heglig. These refugees face severe shortages of basic necessities, reflecting the broader tragedy of a war that has displaced nearly 13 million people since its inception in April 2023.