The Sudanese army captured the city of Bara, a critical logistics hub in the west of the country, gaining a significant advantage in the civil war. The capture of the city in North Kordofan, which had been under the control of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for about nine months, marked a new phase in the army's western operations.
After consolidating its control in and around Khartoum, the army shifted its operations to the west of the country. Following operations that eased pressure around El Obeid, control was also established in the areas of Um Seyyale, Cebra, Um Garfa and Al-Baraka in North Kordofan, in addition to Bara. During the July 27 operations, 62 RSF combat vehicles were destroyed and 54 vehicles seized along with their ammunition.
Strategic logistics corridor severed
The city of Bara lies on the national highway connecting Darfur and Kordofan regions to Khartoum, as well as on the main trade and logistics corridor linking the western states to Port Sudan. The army's seizure of this critical route, which the RSF used throughout the war to move personnel, weapons and ammunition, is seen as a blow that will severely restrict the paramilitary group's logistical mobility.
Operations expand
The simultaneous ground and air operation launched by the army and allied popular resistance elements extended beyond Bara to Um Seyyale and its surroundings. Establishing permanent control on this line increases pressure on the transit routes to West Kordofan and could also complicate the RSF's link with its forces in Darfur. Experts say the army has moved into a new phase, shifting from a defensive posture to conducting large-scale offensives.
Government sends message of resolve
Sudanese Defense Minister Hassan Daoud Kabroun announced that significant field gains have been achieved on the Kordofan, Blue Nile and Darfur fronts. Kabroun said operations will continue until all areas under RSF control are retaken. Darfur Region Governor Minni Arko Minnawi stated that the advances in Bara and Um Seyyale mark the beginning of a new phase. Finance Minister Jibril Ibrahim described these developments as one of the army's most important military gains in recent times.
Humanitarian crisis grows exponentially
Sudan has been witnessing fierce clashes between the army and the externally backed RSF since April 15, 2023. The war, which has caused one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced around 13 million. Millions of Muslims in Darfur and Kordofan in particular continue to face severe difficulties in accessing food, clean water and healthcare. International organizations warn that the prolongation of the conflict could further worsen this humanitarian picture.
While the RSF controls the capitals of five of the country's 18 states, the Sudanese army maintains dominance over most of the remaining 13 states, including the capital Khartoum.
