Khartoum: Sudanese army forces ended a two-year siege imposed by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on Dilling city, the second-largest city in South Kordofan, the military said on Monday. A military statement declared that army forces successfully opened the Dilling road following a military operation that resulted in routing and destroying the RSF militia, inflicting heavy losses in lives and equipment.

According to Anadolu Agency, witnesses reported that Sudanese forces managed to enter the besieged city following clashes with the RSF and its ally, the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N). Residents came out in large numbers to welcome the army forces as they entered the area, and Sudanese soldiers shared video clips on social media showing celebrations by troops and civilians inside Dilling.

The RSF has not provided an immediate comment on the report. The rebel group has maintained a crippling siege on Dilling since January 2024.

The RSF controls all five states in the western Darfur region, except for parts of North Darfur that remain under army control. Meanwhile, the army holds most areas of the remaining 13 states, including the capital, Khartoum. The conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF, which began in April 2023, has resulted in thousands of deaths and millions of displacements.