Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), urged his fighters on Monday to attack the Sudanese army without waiting for orders [1, 2].

This directive comes as the conflict enters a volatile phase following a shift in territorial control. The call for decentralized attacks suggests a move toward more aggressive, autonomous guerrilla tactics to counter recent military gains.

Dagalo issued the statement after the Sudanese army regained control of the strategic highway connecting Khartoum and El Obeid in Kordofan province [1]. The highway serves as a critical supply and movement artery for both forces, and its recapture by the army threatens RSF logistics in the region.

In a move to motivate his troops, Dagalo said to "consider yourselves unleashed in the war against the army" [1]. He said that fighters are free to attack the Sudanese army without waiting for specific commands [2].

By removing the requirement for centralized orders, the RSF leadership is effectively granting lower-level commanders the authority to initiate engagements. This shift follows the army's successful operation to secure the Kordofan route, which had previously hampered the army's ability to reinforce positions near El Obeid [1].

The RSF has faced increasing pressure as the Sudanese army attempts to isolate rebel-held areas. The directive to act independently is intended to maintain momentum and disrupt army consolidation of the highway [1, 2].

Local reports indicate that drone strikes have continued to rock El Obeid as the battle for the province intensifies [1]. The RSF's new tactical approach may lead to an increase in skirmishes along the highway, and in surrounding rural areas.

“"Consider yourselves unleashed in the war against the army."”

The shift toward 'unleashed' combat operations indicates that the RSF is struggling to maintain traditional command-and-control structures following the loss of the Khartoum-El Obeid highway. By decentralizing the authority to attack, Dagalo is attempting to offset the army's conventional territorial gains with unpredictable, high-frequency engagements. This likely increases the risk of civilian casualties and unplanned escalations in Kordofan province.