The Sudanese Army and allied Joint Forces on March 5, 2026, regained control of the strategic city of Bara in North Kordofan following intense clashes with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The RSF had held the city since October 2025, during which international organisations and rights groups reported widespread abuses that could amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.
A military spokesperson said the city was “liberated” after fierce battles in which the RSF, described by the army as the “Dagalo militia”, suffered heavy casualties and retreated, abandoning vehicles and equipment. The spokesperson said the operation marked a significant step in the army’s campaign, dubbed the “War of Dignity,” aimed at removing RSF presence from Sudanese territory.
According to a senior military source cited by Al Jazeera, the offensive began with intensive airstrikes early on Thursday, targeting RSF positions and vehicles inside Bara. The air raids were followed by a ground assault launched from positions north of El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, particularly from the town of Al-Dankouj, allowing government forces to seize the city’s main entrances.
During the operation, army forces reportedly destroyed 32 RSF combat vehicles and seized 10 others, while dozens of fighters were killed in clashes and drone strikes. The coordinated assault between the Sudanese army and allied Joint Forces enabled troops to advance into the city and regain control with relatively limited losses.
The RSF had used Bara as a strategic base since the outbreak of the Sudan conflict on April 15, 2023, launching attacks toward El Obeid. Military officials say retaking the city could strengthen security around El Obeid and potentially open routes linking it to Omdurman, although RSF fighters remain present in nearby areas along the Omdurman–Bara road.
