EL OBEID – The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) said on Friday it had retaken Al-Mazroub in North Kordofan after fierce fighting with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), extending a series of recent advances across the western and northwestern parts of the state.

The army’s General Command said SAF units and allied forces took control of Al-Mazroub on Oct. 2, 2026, after battles that it said inflicted losses on RSF personnel and military vehicles.

The statement did not provide casualty figures or details on the equipment reportedly destroyed or captured.

The army urged residents of areas it said had been retaken to resume normal activities, pledging to protect civilians and property.

It said military operations would continue on multiple fronts as part of efforts to expand government control and secure areas affected by fighting.

The capture of Al-Mazroub follows a broader SAF offensive across North Kordofan in recent months.

In July, the army and allied forces announced the recapture of Bara, Umm Sayala, Umm Qirfa and Jabra al-Sheikh, strengthening their position along routes connecting North Kordofan with Khartoum.

On Sept. 18, the army announced control of another 11 areas, including Kajmar, Sharshar, Al-Baniyah Al-Kurayniyah, Al-Qulay’at, Awlad Hazma, Magwildat, Rayshan, Al-Qaa, Ghabat Al-Laqad and Al-Kukaiti, as well as areas surrounding Al-Mazroub.

The battlefield claims and reported losses could not be independently verified because of limited access to front-line areas.

The army also announced the recapture of Sodari on Sept. 25, following fighting with the RSF in northern North Kordofan.

At the time, Al-Mazroub and Umm Bader were among areas where RSF forces were still reported to maintain a presence.

The latest announcement indicates that government forces have continued pushing westward following the Sodari operation.

North Kordofan has become a major battlefield because of its position along routes connecting central Sudan with Darfur.

Control of towns and roads west of El Obeid can affect the movement of troops, equipment and supplies between the two regions.

The state has experienced intensified ground fighting and drone attacks in recent months, raising concerns over civilian casualties and damage to essential infrastructure.