Sudan’s Military Claims Breakthrough After Lifting RSF Siege in Kordofan

Sudan’s enduring civil war — now in its third year — has been marked by devastating sieges, shifting frontlines, and immense human suffering. On January 26, 2026, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) announced a significant military development: they have broken the nearly two‑year siege imposed by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on the strategically located town of Dilling in South Kordofan. According to the military, this achievement also means regaining control over major supply routes that had been choked off by the RSF in its attempt to dominate the region.
Dilling sits at the heart of South Kordofan and once served as a vital connector between the state’s capital, Kadugli, and key cities to the north and west. By holding Dilling, the RSF had effectively isolated large parts of the region, constricting the flow of food, medicine, and other essential goods and deepening a severe humanitarian crisis. But Sudan’s military says it has reopened the main Dilling road, allowing relief supplies and trade to begin flowing once again.
In an official statement, the SAF declared that its forces had inflicted “heavy losses” on the RSF and its allies during the operation to retake access to the town. The military described its advance as a “successful operation” and vowed to continue pressing its campaign until stability is restored across the country.
Despite these claims, there has been no immediate response from the RSF — a group that has been in open conflict with the military since April 2023, when a power struggle between the two factions erupted into widespread violence across Sudan.
Background: A War That Has Reshaped Sudan
Sudan’s conflict began as a clash over control of the state between the established army and the RSF — a powerful paramilitary force originally formed from militia units. What started as a dispute within the Sudanese power structure soon escalated into a full‑blown civil war, engulfing multiple regions, displacing millions, and creating profound humanitarian challenges. International agencies estimate that tens of thousands of people have lost their lives, though exact figures vary, and more than 14 million people have been forced from their homes.
The fighting has not been limited to South Kordofan. Other regions — including Darfur and parts of central Sudan — have seen intense clashes, siege operations, and shifting territorial control. Notably, the RSF took control of el‑Fasher in North Darfur in October 2025, a territory that had long been a bastion of resistance against its expansion.
Against this backdrop, breaking the siege of Dilling represents a strategic victory for the Sudanese army. The reopening of major supply lines may enable deeper military advances into Kordofan and potentially disrupt RSF operations in other strongholds. Analysts also suggest that this development could weaken the RSF’s ability to project influence across key transportation routes in central and southern Sudan.
What This Means for Civilians
For the residents of Dilling and surrounding districts, the siege’s end could bring much‑needed relief. During the period of isolation, shortages of food, clean water, and medical supplies were severe. While independent verification is limited due to the conflict conditions, humanitarian groups have reported that hunger and malnutrition were widespread, and many families faced extreme hardship. The lifting of the siege could allow for the delivery of food, medicines, and other critical supplies — a lifeline that had been cut off for months.
Yet, the challenges remain enormous. Even with the route open, securing safe and sustained humanitarian access requires cooperation among warring parties and protections for aid workers — neither of which are guaranteed in Sudan’s fragmented and violent environment. International observers caution that improvements on the ground may be slow and uneven, especially as fighting continues elsewhere in the country.
Broader Implications for the Conflict
The battle for Dilling underscores a broader strategic contest in Sudan’s protracted war. Control over infrastructure, roads, and supply routes has been as consequential as territorial gains in urban centers. For the military, regaining Dilling strengthens logistical capabilities and could pave the way for further operations into RSF‑held areas. For the RSF, the loss signals pressure on its hold over critical regions and potential vulnerabilities in its supply and communication networks.
It also reflects a wider pattern of shifting fortunes. In recent months, both sides have had notable gains and setbacks. The RSF’s capture of key positions in West Kordofan and other zones demonstrated its continued capabilities, even as the SAF has pursued aggressive counter‑offensives on multiple fronts. The war’s complex alliances — including splinter factions and regional political interests — make any long‑term prediction difficult.
The conflict is also drawing increased international concern. Humanitarian agencies have repeatedly highlighted the urgent need for peace to prevent further catastrophe. Donors, mediators, and neighbouring states are watching developments closely, though substantive breakthroughs in negotiations have been elusive.
Looking Ahead
As Sudan marks this new moment in its long conflict, the immediate focus will be on whether the opening of Dilling’s supply lines can translate into lasting improvements for civilians and whether the SAF can sustain its recent momentum on the battlefield. For now, the announcement has been cast by Sudan’s military as a symbolic and practical victory — one that could have far‑reaching implications for the future of the war and the lives of millions caught in it.