Sudanese government forces have repelled repeated attacks by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces on Babnusa, the army’s last major stronghold in West Kordofan.
The town has come under sustained RSF assault as the paramilitary seeks to extend control eastward from its Darfur stronghold.
Satellite imagery analysed between September and November shows extensive damage to army facilities in Babnusa from drone strikes and shelling.
RSF fighters released videos claiming advances on multiple fronts, while verified footage later showed Sudanese army soldiers from the 22nd Division capturing abandoned RSF armoured vehicles.
In North Kordofan, government forces announced the recapture of Kazqil, Um Dam Haj Ahmed, and Um Sayala towns following intense clashes.
The army has conducted airdrops and strengthened defensive lines to protect strategic locations including el-Obeid, home to a key airbase.
Reports of severe atrocities continue in areas under RSF control, particularly after last month’s fall of el-Fasher in Darfur.
The Sudan Doctors Network confirmed 32 cases of rape against girls fleeing el-Fasher over the past week alone.
United Nations humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher, speaking from Tawila, described Darfur as the world’s capital of human suffering and warned that international aid remains critically underfunded.
Both sides have ignored a proposed ceasefire backed by the United States and regional mediators.
The conflict, now in its third year since erupting in April 2023, has killed at least 40,000 people and displaced 12 million, according to the World Health Organization.