Sudanese army claims gains in North Kordofan amid ongoing conflict with RSF

What happened

Al Jazeera Sudan reports that the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) announced capturing the town of al-Mazroub in North Kordofan after intense combat, describing it as a significant strategic victory against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). SAF spokesperson Mohamed Deidan told Anadolu news agency that this victory cuts crucial RSF supply lines between North Kordofan and the RSF stronghold in West Kordofan, marking a pivotal moment in regional fighting.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. The conflict, which began in April 2023 after tensions between the SAF and RSF in Khartoum, has expanded to most of Sudan's states, displacing over 14 million people and fueling a severe humanitarian crisis. While the SAF controls Khartoum and much of northern and central Sudan, the RSF continues to dominate large parts of western Sudan including Darfur, as well as pockets in Kordofan and South Kordofan contested by allied groups like the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N).

Further reporting from Al Jazeera details that the SAF’s Fourth Infantry Division claimed a 'knockout blow' against the RSF and SPLM-N in Blue Nile state, targeting their positions around Minza and Bashkarkad, inflicting heavy losses and repelling advances. Meanwhile, Blue Nile’s governor reported RSF drone attacks on his residence that were intercepted by air defenses. No independent verification of casualties or damage from this incident is provided, and the RSF has not publicly responded to these claims.

Known from the source

• The Sudanese Armed Forces announced capturing al-Mazroub in North Kordofan.
• Al-Mazroub is described as a key RSF supply route link between North and West Kordofan.
• The SAF claims inflicting heavy losses on RSF and SPLM-N fighters in Blue Nile state’s Minza and Bashkarkad areas.
• Blue Nile Governor Ahmed al-Omda Badi reported RSF drone attacks on his residence, intercepted by air defenses.
• The RSF continues to control nearly all of Darfur and parts of Kordofan.

What remains unclear

The aftermath of recent battles in Kordofan corresponds with rises in displacement and acute hunger risks, according to UN-backed food security monitors and the International Organization for Migration. Nearly 219,000 new displacements were recorded in Kordofan between February and July 2026, with famine risks spanning areas in Darfur and Kordofan amid severe malnutrition projections for children. Economic strain is deepening as the Sudanese pound’s drastic depreciation further restricts civilian access to essentials in army-held territories.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Independent verification of SAF claims of capturing al-Mazroub and impact on RSF supply routes. Casualty and equipment loss figures claimed by the SAF in Blue Nile state. Details and impact of RSF drone attacks on Blue Nile governor’s residence.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: Al Jazeera Sudan. Open the source.