The Islamic Movement Militias Retreat in Kordofan

 

Whilst the RSF approach El Obeid decisively 

 

Recently, a sudden and rapid shift in the course of the war in Kordofan occurred after the significant retreat of the Islamic Movement militia, which cost the latter to lose control of several cities and regions within three months, such as En-Nahud, Al-Khawi, and Umm Samima, in addition to the Umm Sayala area.

The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and its allied militias suffered heavy material and human losses, estimated in the hundreds, particularly amongst the (Sudan Shield Force) in the battle of Umm Sayala, which prompted the Army militias to withdraw to El-Obeid.

A Different Reality

The most recent battle of Abu Qoud (53 km west of El-Obeid) might be the first in a long list on the outskirts of El-Obeid.

The Rapid Support Forces tightened their grip on the Umm Dabus area east of Bara, Umm Dabus al-Markha, Umm Dabus Karar, Umm Dabus al-Ja’alin, and Wad al-Zaki.

The area of Umm Samima (68 km west of the city), which Rapid Support Forces recently seized control over, is of significant strategic importance as its a crossroad linking Kordofan and Darfur.

The Rapid Support Forces intend to engage in a decisive battle in El-Obeid to liberate the Fifth Infantry Division, having taken control of the western and northern parts of El-Obeid in addition to the northeastern part of the city.

Advancing towards El-Obeid 

For its part, the Rapid Support Forces stated that they are continuing their decisive efforts towards attaining their strategic objectives, advancing towards El-Obeid, achieving sweeping field victories over the Islamic Movement’s Army and armed mercenary militias. According to a statement issued by the official spokesperson, they confirmed that they had liberated a number of areas in battles, and that the advance is still ongoing.

The statement called on the residents of El-Obeid to remain in their homes and refrain from leaving them for any reason, stressing that their forces will put forth diligent efforts to secure the city and provide full protection for its residents. They also called on the latter -for their own safety- to steer clear of the headquarters of the Islamic Movement’s Army and its militias, as well as from the locations occupied by the Armed mercenary Movements.

The Rapid Support Forces confirmed that they are advancing from several directions to liberate El-Obeid, demonstrating the utmost discipline and responsibility, in compliance with International Humanitarian Law and in accordance with the directives of their leadership to protect civilians and safeguard their rights.

Retired Brig. Gen. Yahya Mohamed stated: “Anything is permissible in war: advance, retreat, tactical withdrawal, and so on. However, the reality on the ground clearly indicates that the Rapid Support Forces are currently effectively besieging El-Obeid, advancing on several fronts and are now just a few kilometers away from the strategic city.”

He added: “Yes, the Sudanese Army has retreated, however, it may be preparing a surprise attack to confront the Rapid Support Forces. Nevertheless, that might be met with failure, aa risking large cities can be a very dangerous tactic.”

“In my personal opinion, the battle for El-Obeid will be significant and decisive, given that the Rapid Support Forces have mobilized large forces, and the Sudanese Army leadership is well aware that the city’s fall means heading towards Omdurman once again,” according to retired Brig. Gen. Yahya Mohamed.