RSF suffers heavy losses in Kordofan fighting

Sudanese military regains control of key towns as RSF retreats under heavy pressure

The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) has made significant territorial gains in the Kordofan region, inflicting heavy losses on the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) amid escalating clashes over key towns in West, North, and South Kordofan, as well as parts of the Khartoum capital region.

In West Kordofan, the RSF had seized control of the strategic city of Al Nahud on May 1, 2025, advancing from the west and north of the city. This move forced the Sudanese military to withdraw to the eastern side of the city, where the SAF’s 18th Infantry Brigade was stationed.

On May 2, the SAF and allies retreated from the 18th infantry brigade barrack east to Al-Khawai locality, situated in the westernmost part of the state near the border with North Kordofan, before retreating into Umm Samima town of Sheikan locality in North Kordofan State.

However, the RSF’s victory was short-lived. The Sudanese military, backed by allied Joint Forces, launched a counteroffensive, reclaiming Umm Samima and asserting full control over Sheikan locality by May 10. On May 12, SAF forces pressed forward toward Khawai locality headquarters, where intense fighting broke out before seizing control of the town.

The RSF briefly regained control but suffered heavy casualties, including the deaths and injuries of several troops including field commanders.

In a statement on Wednesday, however, the RSF claimed victory against the Sudanese military, stating they had killed over 1,000 soldiers from the SAF’s Sayyad force and the Joint Forces of former Darfur rebel movements.

“The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) achieved a decisive victory over the mercenaries of the armed movements and the terrorist Islamic Movement Army in the city of Al-Khawai, West Kordofan, following a heroic battle that crushed the so-called ‘Hunter Force,’ one of the terrorist arms that believed it could withstand the determination of our brave forces,” the RSF statement read.

“The brave forces have written a new chapter in their record of great victories, inflicting heavy losses on the enemy, with over 1,000 casualties and the capture of hundreds of vehicles and heavy weapons, which are currently being cataloged. Operations continue to track the remnants of the enemy who fled the battlefield, including their commanders, who led their soldiers into the confrontation and then fled. Our forces continue to pursue their shattered remnants with unyielding resolve and an indomitable spirit.”

“Our brave forces are advancing steadily on all fronts as part of a well-coordinated plan to eradicate terrorism and mercenaries from every inch of the homeland. Our forces affirm that the battle continues on all fronts, and the fate of the Islamic Movement Army and mercenaries from the armed movements will be complete annihilation. Our forces will press forward with unrelenting determination until the last stronghold of terrorism is destroyed and the terrorist regime is uprooted,” the RSF statement concluded.

However, videos geolocated by Sudan War Monitor instead confirm that the RSF suffered heavy losses, with dozens of dead RSF soldiers appearing in footage filmed by SAF combatants in the desert terrains of West Kordofan, along with burning vehicles reportedly belonging to the RSF. By the evening of May 13, the RSF had been forced to retreat toward Al Nahud as the Sudanese military intensified its pursuit.

In a separate statement, the Joint Forces claimed to have killed hundreds of RSF soldiers during the fighting and reaffirmed their support for the Sudanese Armed Forces in the ongoing battle against the RSF.

“Your joint forces have successfully broken the back of the Al-Daqlo terrorist militia this morning through a well-planned ambush in the Kordofan front, inflicting heavy losses on them in both lives and equipment, and neutralizing prominent leaders within their ranks, some of whom were brought in by the militia from neighboring countries. We, the Joint Forces of the Armed Movements, confirm to our great people that this heroic operation is just one link in a chain of victories that will continue, God willing. We declare loud and clear: We, alongside the Sudanese Armed Forces, are moving forward with unyielding determination to execute our strategic plan to liberate our beloved country from the corruption of this rogue militia, which has allowed itself to be a tool in the hands of external powers, primarily the United Arab Emirates, which is desperately trying to tamper with the country’s resources, destroy its social fabric, and plunder its wealth.”

“To our honorable people in the indigenous administrations: We repeat our sincere and honest call and urge you, in the name of the nation, its unity, and the safety of your children, to reconsider your positions and regain the initiative. Do not allow this mercenary, named Daglo, to drag your children into a losing battle, through which he desperately seeks to maintain his influence and personal gains at the cost of your youth's blood. Remember, your loyalty must first and foremost be to your nation and its proud people.”

“Let it be known to all, near and far, that our brave forces will not hesitate and will show no mercy in pursuing the remnants of this terrorist militia, its agents, and its supporters. Justice will reach all those whose hands are stained with the blood of the innocent or who have contributed to the destruction of this homeland. Glory to our noble martyrs, a speedy recovery to our courageous wounded, decisive victory for our joint forces, and honor and prosperity to our beloved country,” the statement concluded.

The Al Sayyad (“Hunter”) forces, a unit formed in 2024 from the remnants of the 16th Infantry Division, played a crucial role in this counteroffensive. Under General Hussein Jawdad, the force has grown into a formidable asset for the Sudanese military in the Greater Kordofan region.

In response, the RSF deployed its own counterforce known as the “Al Sayyad Deterrence Force,” composed of troops from South Darfur, West Kordofan, and North Darfur as well as tribal militias allied to the group. This escalating conflict demonstrates the increasingly complex military dynamics in the region.

In South Kordofan, the Sudanese military made notable strides, capturing the town of Hamadi in Al Qoz locality on May 10. This victory positions the SAF for an assault on Daleng, a strategically critical town located just 52 kilometers to the southwest.

The fall of Hamadi is a significant step in relieving the RSF-imposed siege on Daleng, which has been under pressure from both the RSF and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-North), led by Abdelaziz Al Hulu.

In the Khartoum capital region, the Sudanese military extended its control over Omdurman, capturing the Omdurman Islamic University and the entire University neighborhood, known as Hai Al Jamaa.

Videos circulating online show Sudanese military forces with armored vehicles and ammunition, allegedly provided by the United Arab Emirates to the paramilitary group. Fighting around this front began on the evening of May 11, with SAF soldiers featured in footage claiming to have captured the entire university by the evening of May 12.

Sudan War Monitor confirmed that the videos were filmed at the university, which lies less than four kilometers south of Salha, one of the neighborhoods that is still controlled by the RSF in Omdurman. The RSF last month massacred between 25-30 unarmed detainees, claiming they were members of a SAF allied militant group.

Videos

• In this video, members of the SAF and allied Joint Force film in front of the Khawai locality headquarters here: 13° 5'19.72"N 29°12'58.49"E.

• In this video filmed on May 11, SAF soldiers and members of the allied Joint Force enters Al Khawai locality amid intense fighting.

• In this video, SAF soldiers claim to have opened the highway leading to Al Nahud from Al Khawai on May 12.

• In this video, Joint Forces showcase alleged captured vehicles of the RSF following fighting in Al Khawai.

• In the following images, damage of military vehicles belonging to the RSF are seen along the highway located to the south of Al Khawai city.