On 25 January 2026, the Sudanese government reported that the RSF and the al-Hilu movement attacked Blue Nile state from South Sudan, including the areas Al-Sillik and Milkan, battling with the SAF's 4th Infantry Division.[8]
By 3 February, RSF and al-Hilu forces captured Deim Mansour, Bashir Nuqu, and Khor al-Budi. A government official claimed that the opposition forces launched the attacks from Ethiopia. He also claimed later in the statement RSF and al-Hilu have been residing in Benishangul-Gumuz region, and claimed also in that region, bases overseen by the UAE have targeted the SAF with drones.[9] On 5 February, Abdel-Ati al-Faki, a local official stated a significant buildup by al-Hilu . In addition, 1,500 people were displaced from previous attacks and arrived in Kurmuk.[10] On 27 February, the RSF and al-Hilu forces launched coordinated drone strikes on Geissan along with Kurmuk, destroying a girl's primary school, and reportedly another unnamed school in the village Khor Al-Dhab.[11]
By 24 March, RSF and al-Hilu captured Kurmuk, the third biggest town in the state, along with the Al-Kaili and Al-Baraka area. The commander of the 16th Infantry Brigade, Mohamed Mansour, confirmed the withdrawal. A regional government spokesperson of Blue Nile claimed fighters moved from Darfur, into an unnamed country, for training and arming before the assault.[12][13] On 26 March, the RSF and al-Hilu continued its offensive across southern parts of the state. The opposition mobilized up to the Geissan District.[14]
On 27 March, the SAF reinforced positions on the outskirts of Ed Damazin, the state capital. Major General Ismail al-Tayeb, the commander of the 4th Infantry Division inspected garrisons in the areas of Sale and Danduro, and claimed that the military had entered a decisive phase. Governor of Blue Nile Ahmed al-Omda ordered local citizens to organize a resistance.[15] The next day, civilians were reported to have fled the town Geissan fearing an attack as the RSF and SPLM-N al-Hilu have been mobilizing in the past month.[16]
By April 20, the SAF launched an operation north of Kurmuk locality, recapturing Magaja in the Bau locality. In addition, the Sudan Shield Forces, led by Abu Aqla Kaikal, arrived in the region, with Kaikal vowing to end RSF presence in the state.[17]
On 25 April, the army's 4th Infantry Division from Ed-Damazin said its forces and allied groups repelled an RSF invasion on the Sale site. The Sudanese military claimed to capture 2 RSF vehicles, destroy 36 vehicles, and neutralized several fighters. On the other hand, an RSF spokesperson said RSF has full control of Al-Kaili.[18]
Ethiopia
South Sudan
Mohamed Mansour
Joseph Touka[3]
36 vehicles destroyed .svg)
