The Sudanese army declared on Sunday that it has successfully regained control of Al Sadarat highway, a strategically important 350-kilometer route connecting the capital Khartoum with el-Obeid in North Kordofan state. The military said it captured the passage following two days of intense fighting against the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which had held the highway since April 2023 when the conflict between the two forces began over disputes regarding the integration of the paramilitary group into the national armed forces.
The recapture of this highway represents the first major military offensive against the RSF in several months. According to the army’s statement, troops retook the areas of Um Qurfa and Jarigakh, inflicting what it described as heavy casualties and equipment losses on RSF fighters. The restoration of this direct supply route is expected to facilitate the movement of troops, weapons, fuel and other materials to el-Obeid, which has endured an extended siege by the RSF.
Analysts noted that the highway’s strategic importance extends beyond military logistics. The route had served as a critical artery for trade, particularly livestock and agricultural products from the Kordofan region, and securing it may improve humanitarian access to affected communities. The move also addresses el-Obeid’s isolation, as RSF positions have largely cut off the city from outside support.
El-Obeid, home to approximately half a million people, has faced severe humanitarian challenges including drone attacks. The United Nations has warned of a potential catastrophe in the city, with women and girls facing acute security threats when attempting basic activities like water collection. The broader conflict has resulted in an estimated 40,000 deaths according to the World Health Organization and displaced more than 14 million people from their homes.
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