SODARI – The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) said it had retaken Sodari in northern North Kordofan after a series of ground operations, ambushes and attacks on positions held by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The reported capture marks the latest advance by the army and allied forces in western and northwestern North Kordofan, where fighting has intensified in recent weeks.

Mohamed Deidan, spokesman for the army’s Special Operations forces in the western Kordofan sector, said troops had positioned themselves near Sodari before carrying out offensive operations and ambushes around the town.

He said the forces subsequently entered Sodari and took control after destroying RSF defensive positions and fortifications in and around the area.

The RSF did not immediately issue a public response to the army’s announcement. Sudan Now could not independently verify the full extent of the army’s control or casualties from the fighting.

Deidan said the army intended to continue advancing and argued that taking Sodari would disrupt RSF supply routes and increase pressure on its remaining positions in North Kordofan.

He called on RSF fighters in Al-Mazroub, Umm Kireidim and Umm Bader to surrender, warning that military operations would continue in those areas.

The capture of Sodari follows days of intensified army operations across North Kordofan. On Sept. 17, the SAF and allied forces reported retaking around 11 areas on the outskirts of Sodari, Umm Bader and Hamrat al-Sheikh following ground and air operations.

Government forces had previously reported regaining Bara, Jabra al-Sheikh, Umm Sayala and other positions along the export road before continuing their advance westward toward Sodari, Al-Mazroub and Umm Bader.

On Sept. 22, Deidan said army forces had moved close to Sodari and that the operations were aimed at regaining control of western North Kordofan and opening the way for further advances toward West Kordofan.

He also claimed that government forces had retaken more than 17 areas and advanced more than 150 kilometers during recent operations. Those figures could not be independently verified.

Sodari holds strategic importance because of its location in the far north of North Kordofan and its links to areas extending toward North Darfur and Northern State.

Control of positions west of El Obeid and around Sodari can affect military movements and supply routes connecting North Kordofan with Darfur and northern Sudan.

Sodari locality includes the administrative units of Sodari, Umm Bader and Hamrat al-Sheikh and is also economically important for livestock production and gold mining.

The area has long faced challenges in access to water and health services because of its vast territory and largely arid environment.

The reported capture of Sodari extends a gradual westward push by the army and allied forces that began with gains around the export road, Bara, Jabra al-Sheikh and Umm Sayala before expanding deeper into western and northwestern North Kordofan.