Sudanese army forces have entered Dilling, the second-largest city in South Kordofan, ending a siege imposed by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since January 2024, the military said on Monday, January 26.
In a statement, the army said it reopened the road to Dilling following a successful military operation that forced RSF fighters to retreat and resulted in significant losses in personnel and equipment. The military pledged to continue operations against the RSF until security and stability are
restored nationwide.
Witnesses reported that government troops entered the city after clashes with the RSF and its ally, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N). Residents reportedly poured onto the streets to welcome the army, while videos circulated on social media showed celebrations by soldiers and civilians.
The RSF had maintained a crippling blockade on Dilling for nearly two years, and had not issued an immediate response to the army’s claims.
The wider conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF, which erupted in April 2023, has killed thousands and displaced millions. The RSF currently controls most of Sudan’s western Darfur region, while the army holds the majority of territory across the south, north, east and central parts of the
country, including Khartoum.
