Sudan’s devastating civil war has entered a dangerous new phase, with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) intensifying its offensive across the western region and reportedly seizing a key border town near Chad.
Videos and images circulating on social media show RSF fighters celebrating and firing into the air after claiming control of Al-Tina in North Darfur State. The town, located along the Sudan–Chad border, has become a flashpoint in a widening conflict that now threatens regional stability.
Coordinated Attacks Signal Strategic Advance
Military and paramilitary sources revealed that RSF fighters launched coordinated assaults on multiple fronts on Monday, targeting key towns in the Kordofan region. Among the towns hit were Bara in North Kordofan and Dilling in South Kordofan—both considered critical gateways to El-Obeid, the region’s largest city.
A source within the RSF claimed their forces had “recaptured Bara,” a town strategically positioned along a major highway linking the capital Khartoum to El-Obeid. Control of Bara has shifted repeatedly in recent weeks, underlining its importance in the battle for dominance in central Sudan.
Meanwhile, an army source confirmed that Dilling came under a coordinated assault from multiple directions, allegedly involving RSF fighters and allied rebel groups. The Sudanese army, however, maintains that it successfully repelled the attack.
Kordofan Emerges as War’s Epicenter
The Kordofan region has now become the most intense battlefield in Sudan’s nearly three-year conflict between the RSF and government forces. What began as a power struggle has spiraled into one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
Tens of thousands have been killed, while millions have been displaced. Near-daily drone and artillery strikes continue to claim civilian lives, with entire communities left in ruins. Aid agencies warn that hundreds of thousands face the threat of mass starvation as access to food and medical supplies becomes increasingly limited.
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El-Obeid: The Prize Both Sides Want
At the heart of the escalating violence lies El-Obeid, a strategic city that could determine the direction of the war. The RSF has been attempting to encircle the city after the army broke a previous siege last year.
If captured, El-Obeid would provide the RSF with a crucial link between its strongholds in Darfur and routes leading eastward—bringing the paramilitary force closer to tightening its grip on the country and advancing toward Khartoum.
Fighting Reaches Chad Border
The conflict is no longer confined within Sudan’s borders. Fresh RSF attacks on Al-Tina and nearby towns have forced tens of thousands of civilians to flee into neighboring Chad, raising fears of a regional spillover.
Al-Tina, which sits opposite the Chadian town of Tine, has become a contested zone between RSF fighters and pro-army militias. The town has changed hands multiple times, reflecting the fierce struggle for control of cross-border routes.
Clashes along the border have already taken a deadly toll. Reports indicate that at least 15 Chadian soldiers and eight civilians have been killed since December, highlighting the growing risk of the conflict drawing in neighboring countries.
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Humanitarian Crisis Worsens
As the fighting intensifies, the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate. Areas such as Kernoi are now experiencing extreme levels of malnutrition, with famine thresholds already surpassed.
Displaced families face dire conditions, with limited access to shelter, food, and healthcare. International organizations warn that without urgent intervention, the crisis could spiral further out of control.
A War with No End in Sight
With both sides locked in a battle for strategic dominance and civilians bearing the brunt of the violence, the war in Sudan shows no signs of easing.
The latest escalation—marked by territorial gains, coordinated attacks, and cross-border tensions—signals a prolonged and increasingly complex conflict that could reshape the region if left unchecked.
