The Sudanese army and allied forces have recaptured strategic towns in North Kordofan while facing drone attacks in several major cities [1, 2].
These developments signal a shift in territorial control as the army attempts to reopen critical supply routes to the capital, while the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) utilize aerial technology to disrupt government positions.
On Saturday, July 25, 2026, the army said it had retaken the towns of Bara, Jabra Al-Sheikh, and Um Siala [2]. This advance included the recapture of a primary road linking North Kordofan to Khartoum [1, 2]. The military objective is to regain strategic control of the region and secure logistics lines essential for operations in the capital [2].
In response to these ground gains, drone attacks targeted multiple urban centers on Monday [1]. The strikes hit Al-Abyad, also known as the White City, as well as Omdurman, and Khartoum Bahri [1]. The RSF has used these unmanned aerial vehicles to strike army-held positions as the conflict intensifies [2].
The fighting has triggered significant civilian movement. More than 1,400 people were displaced from the Al-Jamama area in North Kordofan [3]. This displacement reflects the volatility of the region as both sides vie for control of the interior [3].
While the army has made tangible gains in the North Kordofan sector, the RSF's ability to strike deep into cities like Omdurman and Khartoum Bahri demonstrates a continuing capacity for asymmetric warfare [1, 2]. The battle for the road to Khartoum remains a focal point of the current military campaign [1].
“The Sudanese army and allied forces have recaptured strategic towns in North Kordofan.”
The recapture of the North Kordofan road is a tactical victory for the Sudanese army, potentially easing the siege of capital-area garrisons. However, the RSF's deployment of drones across multiple cities indicates that ground gains may be offset by the ability of paramilitary forces to project power remotely, maintaining a state of instability even in recaptured zones.
