In Sudan, thousands flee Hamrat al-Sheikh as army advances

The Sudanese group Emergency Lawyers reported a significant deployment of RSF vehicles and weapons amid residential areas. Some families headed towards Oum Santa and Al-Dabbah, while others remained in open areas. The organization called for military operations to be distanced from populated areas and for humanitarian access to be guaranteed for the displaced.

The advance of the army and its allies has accelerated since the middle of last week. On September 17, the armed forces’ command claimed to have regained control of 11 sectors in North Kordofan, including Al-Kukaiti and the surroundings of Al-Mazrub, following clashes with the RSF. These military statements have not undergone complete independent verification.

The front line has thus shifted westward in the state, around Sodari, Oum Badr, and Hamrat al-Sheikh. Local sources cited by Sudan Tribune and Sudan Independent reported a retreat of RSF units to these areas as government forces advance from El-Obeid.

In the same area, local sources cited by Sudan Tribune stated that an RSF convoy attacked an artisanal gold mining site in Oum Badr, striking workers and seizing equipment and money. Another unit reportedly looted the market in Al-Mazrub during its withdrawal. The RSF had not immediately responded to these allegations.

Since late July, the army has regained several localities and routes in North Kordofan, including Bara, Jabra al-Sheikh, and Oum Sayala, and then Hamrat al-Wiz on September 6. On September 19, military sources cited by Anadolu also announced the recapture of Al-Jamama, a commercial crossroads linking El-Obeid to Al-Dabbah, with no immediate comment from the RSF.