Sudanese army says it has seized Al Sadarat highway linking Khartoum and el‑Obeid

Khartoum’s armed forces announced on Tuesday that they have secured control of the Al Sadarat highway, a key supply route linking central Sudan with the city of el‑Obeid in North Kordofan. The operation, conducted by units of the Sudanese army’s 5th Division, follows a series of clashes along the frontier between government troops and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that have intensified since the power struggle erupted in April 2023. Military officials said the capture of the highway will enable the army to reinforce defensive positions around el‑Obeid and impede the RSF’s advance toward the regional capital.

Analysts note that the Al Sadarat corridor is a vital logistical artery for moving troops, equipment and humanitarian aid across the western part of the country. By holding the route, the army can block RSF supply lines and limit the militia’s ability to encircle el‑Obeid, a city that serves as a strategic hub for both combat operations and civilian commerce. The development comes amid ongoing negotiations in Jeddah aimed at a ceasefire, though fighting continues in several provinces. Observers expect the control of the highway to shape the next phase of the conflict, potentially stabilizing the government’s hold on North Kordofan while the RSF seeks alternative pathways to sustain its offensive.