Khartoum: Following the Rapid Support Forces' (RSF) capture of El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, the Sudanese army has redirected its military operations toward five major flashpoints across the three Kordofan states in central and southern Sudan.

According to Anadolu Agency, the rebel group took control of El-Fasher on Oct. 26, a strategic city in Darfur, with reports of widespread human rights violations and massacres against civilians. Of Sudan's 18 states, the RSF now holds all five in the Darfur region, except for a few northern areas of North Darfur still under army control. The Sudanese army continues to dominate most of the remaining 13 states across the south, north, east, and central regions, including the capital, Khartoum.

For more than a week, clashes involving drones, artillery, and increased troop movements have intensified along the El-Obeid and Bara fronts in North Kordofan, Dilling and Kadugli in South Kordofan, and Babnousa in West Kordofan. The three Kordofan states hold significant military importance due to their proximity to the Darfur region's western border, where the RSF controls all major cities.

In North Kordofan, fighting has centered on El-Obeid, the state capital, and nearby Bara, which the RSF captured in October. Military sources reported that the Sudanese army launched airstrikes on Nov. 8-9 targeting RSF positions along the Bara axis. Witnesses noted that the RSF responded by shelling areas north of Bara.

After El-Fasher's fall, South Kordofan witnessed heavy clashes and troop buildups near Dilling and the capital, Kadugli. On Nov. 7, the RSF and its ally, the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), shelled Dilling with artillery, resulting in civilian casualties. In retaliation, the army fired artillery at RSF positions northeast of Dilling, forcing the rebel group to reposition in the city.

In West Kordofan, Babnousa has become a central battlefield as the RSF continues shelling and attacks in a bid to seize the city. Local sources reported that the Sudanese army's 22nd Infantry Division is mounting a strong defense. Videos released by RSF on Telegram showed reinforcements arriving in Babnousa, and the group called on Sudanese army commanders to surrender.

Analysts indicate that the army seeks to fortify areas in North Kordofan as a strategic defensive line protecting Gezira and Khartoum. Meanwhile, the RSF aims to consolidate its control in Darfur and expand its territorial reach in the Kordofan region. Military expert Moatasem Abdel Qader emphasized the army's continued presence across the Kordofan states and its reliance on air power to demonstrate military strength.

The RSF claims to lead a second battle to liberate all of Sudan, aiming to push through the northern and central states and culminate in Port Sudan. Despite regional and international efforts, the conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF, ongoing since April 2023, has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and the displacement of about 13 million people.