Sudanese Army Seizes Key Town Near Ethiopian Border from Rebel Forces

Sudanese Army Regains Control of Khor Hassan Town in Blue Nile State

The Sudanese army has recaptured the town of Khor Hassan in southeastern Blue Nile state from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). According to a statement released by the Sudanese military on Friday, the RSF had been holding the town since March. The seizure is part of the army’s efforts to regain control of the region.

Blue Nile state has become a focal point in the ongoing conflict due to its strategic location, serving as a gateway to central Sudan and bordering Ethiopia. The RSF has been accused by the Sudanese government of receiving support from Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates, although both countries have denied these allegations.

The RSF had previously held Khor Hassan with the support of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N). The Sudanese army reported significant losses for the RSF in terms of personnel and military equipment. The seizure is also seen as part of a broader strategy to recapture the town of Kurmuk, which serves as a vital corridor for cross-border trade.

Kurmuk has been an important location for the RSF, serving as a launchpad for further territorial gains. The outcome of the battle for Blue Nile state will be significant due to its proximity to the border and potential access to natural resources, including gold deposits.

Source: Al Jazeera