The Sudanese Army announced on 29 June 2026 in Ed Damazin that it has recaptured two areas in Sudan’s Blue Nile region following clashes with an alliance of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N).
According to the Fourth Infantry Division, government forces retook Magaja and Sarkam after direct engagements with the rebel alliance, forcing opposing fighters to retreat. The military said the operation was carried out under a coordinated field plan with support units, resulting in what it described as significant losses for the opposing forces.
Sarkam lies northeast of Kurmuk, near key operational zones including Sali and Dandro, both considered strategic for securing Ed Damazin, the regional capital. Magaja is located west of the Dandro military area, another important operational hub.
Military sources said the offensive is aimed at expanding the security perimeter around these positions, with ongoing combing operations to stabilise the recaptured areas and prevent regrouping by retreating fighters.
The conflict in Blue Nile between the Sudanese army and the RSF–SPLM-N alliance has been ongoing since February 2026, with the alliance previously capturing the border town of Kurmuk near Ethiopia in March.
