KADUGLI – A group of armed Rapid Support Forces (RSF) fighters on motorcycles looted agricultural equipment near Abu Kershola in South Kordofan, amid increased armed activity around the town, local sources said.
The sources said a force of about 35 motorcycles, each carrying two armed men, moved on Monday morning, August 24, through areas northwest of Abu Kershola.
According to the sources, the fighters were armed with machine guns and RPG launchers. They said military intelligence had been informed of the movements but did not take action to monitor or intercept the group.
At about 4 p.m., the same force looted a tractor belonging to a local farmer near Abu Kershola, the sources said. They added that the fighters had earlier been seen moving through the Jebel Al-Dair area.
Sudan Now could not independently verify the account, including the claim that military intelligence was notified and did not respond. The RSF did not immediately comment.
The incident comes as residents report growing RSF and SPLM-N activity around Abu Kershola, particularly south of the town, with repeated incursions into nearby areas over the past two days.
Abu Kershola sits in a sensitive part of South Kordofan, where the wider war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF has intersected with long-running insecurity involving armed groups, local communities and contested routes.
South Kordofan has seen renewed instability in recent months, including fighting in the Nuba Mountains, displacement of civilians and attacks on villages, farms and markets. The expansion of armed activity around rural towns has raised fears over civilian safety, looting and disruption to farming during a period when many communities already face food shortages.
Local residents say the theft of agricultural equipment is especially damaging because tractors and farming tools are critical for food production and livelihoods in areas affected by war, displacement and limited access to markets.
The reported looting near Abu Kershola adds to concerns that continued armed movements around the town could lead to further attacks on civilians and civilian property.
