Kurmuk: Local authorities in Sudan's Blue Nile State reported on Thursday that the Sudanese army successfully continues to fend off attacks by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and its ally, the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), targeting the border town of Kurmuk.
According to Anadolu Agency, a statement from the local administration in Kurmuk revealed that the town has been under intense attack for the past three days. The assaults involved the use of drones, suicide drones, and artillery shelling, reportedly originating from 'the regional neighborhood.' Despite these aggressive tactics, the Sudanese Armed Forces have maintained their defense 'with steadfastness and bravery,' ensuring the protection of the town, its residents, and public institutions.
The local administration expressed its unwavering support for the Sudanese army, emphasizing the importance of confronting these attacks which threaten the region's security and stability. This statement was a direct response to an earlier announcement by the RSF, claiming that it had captured Kurmuk following clashes with the Sudanese army. The RSF asserted control over the 'strategic' town, boasting about causing casualties and equipment losses to the army forces. However, these claims have not been independently verified.
Kurmuk, a significant town in Blue Nile State after its capital Damazin, is strategically crucial due to its location near the Ethiopian border, serving as a vital link along military supply routes and road connections to Ethiopia and South Sudan. The Sudanese army had previously announced on July 8 that it had recaptured Kurmuk after the RSF and SPLM-N held the town for nearly three months.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023, stems from disputes between the Sudanese army and the RSF over plans to integrate the paramilitary forces into the regular military. This war has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands and has displaced or forced nearly 15 million people to flee their homes, as reported by UN figures, local authorities, and academic estimates.