Map showing Sudanese Armed Forces’ (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces’ (RSF) control in North Kordofan. [Map by Sudans Post]EL OBEID — The Sudanese military on Friday seized control of Mazroub, the administrative headquarters of West Bara Locality in North Kordofan, from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), extending recent army gains in the state.

Videos reviewed and geolocated by Sudans Post confirmed the presence of Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) troops and allied Joint Force fighters in several parts of the town.

One video showed Sudanese military personnel outside the Mazroub court in the town centre, geolocated by Sudans Post to 13°54’0.29″N, 29°18’55.71″E.

Another video showed Joint Force fighters in an open area south of Mazroub.

The RSF had not issued a statement on the loss of the town at the time of publication.

The Sudanese military said in a statement that its forces captured Mazroub after what it described as fierce fighting, claiming heavy RSF losses in personnel and vehicles.

It did not provide casualty figures or details of equipment losses, and Sudans Post could not independently verify the claim.

The army also urged residents of areas brought under its control to resume normal activities and said it would continue operations against the RSF.

Mazroub had remained under RSF control despite a series of army advances across northern North Kordofan in recent weeks.

Its capture comes after SAF and allied forces seized Sodari town, the headquarters of Sodari Locality, on September 25.

The latest gains have reduced RSF-held territory in northern North Kordofan, although the paramilitary force continues to hold positions in parts of Sodari and Sheikan localities.

In Sodari Locality, the RSF remains present around Umm Badr and Hamrat al-Sheikh.

In Sheikan Locality, which includes the state capital El Obeid, RSF forces retain positions west and south of the city, including around Abu Qa’ud, Umm Sumaima and Kazgil.

The capture of Mazroub could increase pressure on RSF units operating west of El Obeid by giving army-aligned forces greater freedom of movement across the northern part of the state.

The extent of SAF control outside captured towns remains unclear, however, as both sides continue to operate across wide stretches of rural North Kordofan.

The army and RSF have been fighting since April 2023, when tensions over the planned integration of the paramilitary force into the regular military erupted into war.