Sudan Civil War
ACLED Update — 2026-06-11
- [2025-06-04] Battles — Armed clash | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Alhagina Al Jalaba
- On 4 June 2025, clashes between SAF and RSF continued in Alhagina Al Jalaba (Ar Rahad, North Kordofan). RSF attacked civ (Al Zool; Mohamed Khalifa)
- [2025-06-04] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | El Fasher | 4 fatalities
- On 4 June 2025, RSF, backed by a militia (described as an Arab militia, coded as Darfur Arab militia), and SAF, backed b (Muammar Ibrahim; Radio Dabanga)
- [2025-06-11] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Rapid Support Forces | Nyala
- On 11 June 2025, two RSF groups (Beni Halba and Rizeigat), including one described as RSF Federal Police, clashed in Nya (Beam reports; Darfur 24; Sudan Now; Twitter)
- [2025-06-11] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | Babanussa | 3 fatalities
- On 11 June 2025, clashes between RSF and SAF continued in Babanussa (Babanusa, West Kordofan), with RSF fighter drones. (Al Zool; Sudan War Monitor)
- [2025-06-11] Battles — Non-state actor overtakes territory | Rapid Support Forces vs Darfur Joint Forces/JSAMF: Joint Force of Armed Struggle Movement | Jebel Awinat | 10 fatalities
- On 11 June 2025, clashes between RSF, backed by Subol Al-Salam Brigade, and Darfur Joint Forces/JSAMF continued in and a (Al Jazeera; Al Mashhad Al Sudani; Al Rakoba; Al Rakoba News; Al Sudani; Al Taghyeer (Sudan); AP; Ayin Network; Beam reports; Darfur 24; International Crisis Group; IOM; Madameek; Muammar Ibrahim; Radio Dabanga; Radio Tamazuj; Rapid Support Forces; Sudan News; Sudan Now; Sudan Tribune; Sudan War Monitor; Sudan War Updates; Sudanese Armed Forces; The Middle East Journal; Twitter; Wakalat)
- [2025-06-11] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | El Fasher | 5 fatalities
- On 11 June 2025, clashes between RSF, backed by a militia (described as an Arab militia, coded as Darfur Arab militia), (Al Zool; IOM; Madameek; Radio Dabanga; Sudan War Monitor; Twitter)
ACLED Update — 2026-06-10
- [2025-06-03] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | Babanussa | 10 fatalities
- On 3 June 2025, clashes between RSF and SAF continued in Babanussa (Babanusa, West Kordofan), with the exchange of artil (Al Rakoba; Al Zool; Ghandi Ibrahim; Mohamed Khalifa; Sudan News; Sudan War Monitor)
- [2025-06-10] Battles — Non-state actor overtakes territory | Rapid Support Forces vs Darfur Joint Forces/JSAMF: Joint Force of Armed Struggle Movement | Jebel Awinat
- On 10 June 2025, clashes between RSF, backed by Subol Al-Salam Brigade, and Darfur Joint Forces/JSAMF continued in Jebel (Al Jazeera; Al Mashhad Al Sudani; Al Rakoba; Al Rakoba News; Al Sudani; Al Taghyeer (Sudan); AP; Ayin Network; Beam reports; Darfur 24; Ghandi Ibrahim; Radio Dabanga; Reuters; Sudan News; Sudan News Agency; Sudan Now; Sudan Tribune; Sudan War Monitor; Sudan War Updates; Sudanese Armed Forces; The Middle East Journal; Twitter; Wakalat)
ACLED Update — 2026-06-09
- [2025-06-09] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | El Fasher
- On 9 June 2025, RSF, backed by a militia (described as an Arab militia, coded as Darfur Arab militia), and SAF, backed b (IOM; Muammar Ibrahim; Twitter)
ACLED Update — 2026-06-07
- [2025-05-31] Battles — Armed clash | Darfur Communal Militia (Sudan) vs Darfur Communal Militia (Sudan) | Ed Daein | 3 fatalities
- On 31 May 2025, two residents militias (both coded as Darfur communal militia) clashed in Ed Daein (Ad Duayn, East Darfu (Darfur 24)
- [2025-05-31] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | El Fasher
- On 31 May 2025, clashes between RSF, backed by a militia (described as an Arab militia, coded as Darfur Arab militia), a (Radio Dabanga)
- [2025-05-31] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Darfur Communal Militia (Sudan) | Ed Daein
- On 31 May 2025, RSF clashed with a militia (coded as Darfur communal militia) in Ed Daein (Ad Duayn, East Darfur), after (Darfur 24)
- [2025-05-31] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Rapid Support Forces | Nyala | 1 fatalities
- On 31 May 2025, two RSF groups clashed in El Geneina market in Nyala (Nyala Janoub, South Darfur), after an RSF group lo (Al Zool; Beam reports; Darfur 24; Radio Dabanga; Sudan Tribune)
- [2025-06-07] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | Babanussa | 100 fatalities
- On 7 June 2025, for the first day, clashes between RSF backed by The Braves of Kordofan and SAF continued in Babanussa ( (Al Mashhad Al Sudani; Al Taghyeer (Sudan); Al Zool; Sudan News; Sudan Now; Sudan War Monitor)
- [2025-06-07] Battles — Armed clash | SFA: Sudan Founding Alliance vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | Um Dehelieb | 39 fatalities
- On 7 June 2025, clashes between SFA (coded as RSF and SPLM-N-Abdelaziz) and SAF continued in Um Dehelieb (Ghadeer, South (Al Arab; Al Mashhad Al Sudani; Al Taghyeer (Sudan); Al Zool; Ghandi Ibrahim; Mohamed Khalifa; Sudan News; Sudan Now; Sudan Tribune; Sudan War Updates; Twitter)
ACLED Update — 2026-06-06
- [2025-05-30] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | El Obeid | 5 fatalities
- On 30 May 2025, RSF fighter drones and artillery shelling targeted a hospital, while SAF responded by artillery shelling (Al Jazeera; Al Mashhad Al Sudani; Al Rakoba News; Al Sudani; Beam reports; Central Committee of Sudan Doctors; Darfur 24; Emergency Lawyers; Ghandi Ibrahim; Mohamed Khalifa; Sudan News; Sudan News Agency; Sudan Now; Sudan Tribune; Sudan War Updates; Twitter)
- [2025-05-30] Battles — Government regains territory | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Umm Sumeima
- On 30 May 2025, clashes between SAF, backed by Darfur Joint Forces/JSAMF, and RSF continued in Umm Sumeima (Sheikan, Nor (Twitter)
- [2025-05-30] Battles — Armed clash | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Al Khowai
- On 30 May 2025, clashes between SAF, backed by Darfur Joint Forces/JSAMF, and RSF continued in Al Khowai (Al Khiwai, Wes (Al Zool; Twitter)
- [2025-05-30] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | El Fasher
- On 30 May 2025, RSF, backed by a militia (described as an Arab militia, coded as Darfur Arab militia), and SAF, backed b (Al Zool)
- [2025-05-30] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Rapid Support Forces | Hamidiya IDP Camp | 2 fatalities
- On 30 May 2025, two RSF groups clashed in Moerin market in Hamidiya IDP Camp (Zalingi, Central Darfur). 2 civilians were (Al Zool; Radio Dabanga)
- [2025-06-06] Battles — Armed clash | Subol Al-Salam Brigade (Libya) vs Darfur Joint Forces/JSAMF: Joint Force of Armed Struggle Movement | Jebel Awinat | 12 fatalities
- On 6 June 2025, clashes between Subol Al-Salam Brigade (suspected to be allied with RSF and including Mahamid Militia) o (Al Arab; Al Mashhad Al Sudani; Al Rakoba News; Al Wasat (Libya); Ayin Network; Darfur 24; Radio Dabanga; Sudan News; Sudan Now; Sudan Tribune; Sudan War Monitor)
- [2025-06-06] Battles — Armed clash | Darfur Joint Forces/JSAMF: Joint Force of Armed Struggle Movement vs Al Silaa Brigade (Libya) | Malha
- On 6 June 2025, Darfur Joint Forces/JSAMF clashed with Salaa Brigade near the border in north of Malha (Al Malha, North (Insights)
ACLED Update — 2026-06-04
- [2025-05-28] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | El Fasher
- On 28 May 2025, clashes between RSF, backed by a militia (described as an Arab militia, coded as Darfur Arab militia), a (Al Rakoba; IOM; Radio Dabanga)
- [2025-05-28] Battles — Armed clash | Kababeesh Ethnic Militia (Sudan) vs Rapid Support Forces | Um Indiraba
- On 28 May 2025, Kababeesh clashed with RSF in Um Indiraba (Gebrat Al Sheikh, North Kordofan). Casualties unknown. (Twitter)
- [2025-05-28] Battles — Armed clash | Darfur Communal Militia (Sudan) vs Rapid Support Forces | Nyala | 1 fatalities
- On 28 May 2025, armed trader (coded as Darfur communal militia) shot and killed an RSF militant in Nyala (Nyala Janoub, (Darfur 24)
- [2025-06-04] Battles — Armed clash | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Alhagina Al Jalaba
- On 4 June 2025, clashes between SAF and RSF continued in Alhagina Al Jalaba (Ar Rahad, North Kordofan). RSF attacked civ (Al Zool; Mohamed Khalifa)
- [2025-06-04] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | El Fasher | 4 fatalities
- On 4 June 2025, RSF, backed by a militia (described as an Arab militia, coded as Darfur Arab militia), and SAF, backed b (Muammar Ibrahim; Radio Dabanga)
ACLED Update — 2026-06-02
- [2025-05-26] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | El Fasher
- On 26 May 2025, clashes between RSF, backed by a militia (described as an Arab militia, coded as Darfur Arab militia), a (Al Rakoba; Muammar Ibrahim; Radio Dabanga; Sudan War Updates; Twitter)
- [2025-05-26] Battles — Armed clash | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Muglad
- On 26 May 2025, clashes erupted between SAF and RSF in an area north of Muglad (Abyei, West Kordofan). Casualties unknow (Insights)
ACLED Update — 2026-06-01
- [2025-05-25] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Rapid Support Forces | Fata Borno
- On 25 May 2025, two RSF groups clashed in an IDP camp in Fata Borno (Kutum, North Darfur). There were no casualties. The (Darfur 24; Sudan War Updates; Twitter)
- [2025-06-01] Battles — Armed clash | North Kordofan Communal Militia (Sudan) vs North Kordofan Communal Militia (Sudan) | Barakat
- On 1 June 2025, two militias (both coded as North Kordofan communal militia) clashed in Barakat (Um Rawaba, North Kordof (Radio Dabanga)
- [2025-06-01] Battles — Armed clash | Darfur Communal Militia (Sudan) vs Darfur Communal Militia (Sudan) | Saraf Omra | 2 fatalities
- Around 1 June 2025 (beginning of month), residents’ militants killed two militants on a motorbike (both coded as Darfur (Darfur 24)
ACLED Update — 2026-05-31
- [2025-05-24] Battles — Armed clash | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Port Sudan
- On 24 May 2025, clashes between SAF and an armed group (likely RSF due to its similar drone attacks targeting the city i (Radio Dabanga)
- [2025-05-31] Battles — Armed clash | Darfur Communal Militia (Sudan) vs Darfur Communal Militia (Sudan) | Ed Daein | 3 fatalities
- On 31 May 2025, two residents militias (both coded as Darfur communal militia) clashed in Ed Daein (Ad Duayn, East Darfu (Darfur 24)
- [2025-05-31] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | El Fasher
- On 31 May 2025, clashes between RSF, backed by a militia (described as an Arab militia, coded as Darfur Arab militia), a (Radio Dabanga)
- [2025-05-31] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Darfur Communal Militia (Sudan) | Ed Daein
- On 31 May 2025, RSF clashed with a militia (coded as Darfur communal militia) in Ed Daein (Ad Duayn, East Darfur), after (Darfur 24)
- [2025-05-31] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Rapid Support Forces | Nyala | 1 fatalities
- On 31 May 2025, two RSF groups clashed in El Geneina market in Nyala (Nyala Janoub, South Darfur), after an RSF group lo (Al Zool; Beam reports; Darfur 24; Radio Dabanga; Sudan Tribune)
ACLED Update — 2026-05-30
- [2025-05-23] Battles — Government regains territory | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Sungikai
- On 23 May 2025, clashes between SAF, backed by Darfur Joint Forces/JSAMF, and RSF continued in Sungikai (Al Quoz, South (Ghandi Ibrahim)
- [2025-05-23] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | El Fasher | 6 fatalities
- On 23 May 2025, clashes between RSF, backed by a militia (described as an Arab militia, coded as Darfur Arab militia), a (Aid Worker Security Database; Al Rakoba; Darfur 24; Ghandi Ibrahim; Sudan News Agency; Sudan Now; Sudan War Updates; WikiLeaks - El Fasher ‘Darfur News’)
- [2025-05-30] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | El Obeid | 5 fatalities
- On 30 May 2025, RSF fighter drones and artillery shelling targeted a hospital, while SAF responded by artillery shelling (Al Jazeera; Al Mashhad Al Sudani; Al Rakoba News; Al Sudani; Beam reports; Central Committee of Sudan Doctors; Darfur 24; Emergency Lawyers; Ghandi Ibrahim; Mohamed Khalifa; Sudan News; Sudan News Agency; Sudan Now; Sudan Tribune; Sudan War Updates; Twitter)
- [2025-05-30] Battles — Government regains territory | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Umm Sumeima
- On 30 May 2025, clashes between SAF, backed by Darfur Joint Forces/JSAMF, and RSF continued in Umm Sumeima (Sheikan, Nor (Twitter)
- [2025-05-30] Battles — Armed clash | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Al Khowai
- On 30 May 2025, clashes between SAF, backed by Darfur Joint Forces/JSAMF, and RSF continued in Al Khowai (Al Khiwai, Wes (Al Zool; Twitter)
- [2025-05-30] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | El Fasher
- On 30 May 2025, RSF, backed by a militia (described as an Arab militia, coded as Darfur Arab militia), and SAF, backed b (Al Zool)
- [2025-05-30] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Rapid Support Forces | Hamidiya IDP Camp | 2 fatalities
- On 30 May 2025, two RSF groups clashed in Moerin market in Hamidiya IDP Camp (Zalingi, Central Darfur). 2 civilians were (Al Zool; Radio Dabanga)
- [2025-05-23] Battles — Government regains territory | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Dibebad | 11 fatalities
- On 23 May 2025, clashes between SAF, backed by Darfur Joint Forces/JSAMF, and RSF continued in Dibebad (Al Quoz, South K (Al Jazeera; Al Rakoba News; Beam reports; Ghandi Ibrahim; IOM; JSAMF Darfur; Justice and Equality Movement; Radio Dabanga; Sudan News; Sudan News Agency; Sudan Tribune; Sudan War Monitor; Sudan War Updates; Twitter; WikiLeaks - El Fasher ‘Darfur News’)
ACLED Update — 2026-05-29
- [2025-05-29] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | El Fasher
- On 29 May 2025, clashes between RSF, and SAF, backed by Darfur Joint Forces/JSAMF, continued in south El Fasher (Al Fash (Al Mashhad Al Sudani; Al Zool; Beam reports; IOM; Mohamed Khalifa; Radio Dabanga; Sudan Now; Sudan Tribune; Sudan War Updates; Twitter)
- [2025-05-29] Battles — Non-state actor overtakes territory | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | Al Hamadi | 10 fatalities
- On 29 May 2025, clashes between RSF, and SAF, backed by Darfur Joint Forces/JSAMF, continued in Al Hamadi (Al Quoz, Sout (Al Rakoba News; Erem News; Ghandi Ibrahim; Mohamed Khalifa; Radio Dabanga; Rapid Support Forces; Sudan News; Sudan Tribune; Sudan War Monitor; Twitter)
- [2025-05-29] Battles — Non-state actor overtakes territory | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | Umm Sumeima | 10 fatalities
- On 29 May 2025, clashes between RSF, and SAF, backed by Darfur Joint Forces/JSAMF, continued in Umm Sumeima (Sheikan, No (Al Rakoba News; Erem News; Radio Dabanga; Sudan News; Sudan Tribune; Sudan War Monitor)
- [2025-05-29] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | Kazgil | 10 fatalities
- On 29 May 2025, clashes between RSF, and SAF, backed by Darfur Joint Forces/JSAMF, continued in Umm Sumeima (Sheikan, No (Radio Dabanga; Sudan Tribune)
- [2025-05-29] Battles — Non-state actor overtakes territory | Kababeesh Ethnic Militia (Sudan) vs Rapid Support Forces | Um Indiraba
- On 29 May 2025, for the second consecutive day, Kababeesh clashed with RSF in Um Indiraba (Gebrat Al Sheikh, North Kordo (Ghandi Ibrahim; Mohamed Khalifa; Twitter)
- [2025-05-29] Battles — Non-state actor overtakes territory | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | Al Khowai | 10 fatalities
- On 29 May 2025, clashes between RSF, and SAF, backed by Darfur Joint Forces/JSAMF, continued in Al Khowai (Al Khiwai, We (Al Mashhad Al Sudani; Al Rakoba; Al Rakoba News; Al Sudani; Darfur 24; Edrak; Erem News; Ghandi Ibrahim; IOM; Mohamed Khalifa; Radio Dabanga; Rapid Support Forces; Sudan News; Sudan News Agency; Sudan Now; Sudan Tribune; Sudan War Updates; Twitter; WikiLeaks - El Fasher ‘Darfur News’)
- [2025-05-29] Battles — Non-state actor overtakes territory | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | Dibebad | 80 fatalities
- On 29 May 2025, clashes between RSF, and SAF, backed by Darfur Joint Forces/JSAMF, continued in Dibebad (Al Quoz, South (Al Rakoba; Al Rakoba News; Al Taghyeer (Sudan); Darfur 24; Erem News; Ghandi Ibrahim; IOM; Mohamed Khalifa; Muammar Ibrahim; Radio Dabanga; Rapid Support Forces; Sky News; Sudan News; Sudan Now; Sudan Tribune; Sudan War Monitor; Sudan War Updates; Twitter; Wakalat)
ACLED Update — 2026-05-27
- [2025-05-20] Battles — Government regains territory | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Omdurman - Al Salha | 1 fatalities
- On 20 May 2025, clashes between SAF and RSF continued in Omdurman - Al Salha (Omdurman, Khartoum), with SAF regaining co (Al Rakoba; Al Rakoba News; Beam reports; Muammar Ibrahim; New Arab; Sudan War Updates; Twitter)
- [2025-05-20] Battles — Armed clash | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Omdurman - Abu Rof
- On 20 May 2025, clashes between SAF and RSF continued in Omdurman - Abu Rof (Omdurman, Khartoum), with RSF drone strikes (Al Rakoba; Ghandi Ibrahim; Mohamed Khalifa; Radio Dabanga)
- [2025-05-27] Battles — Armed clash | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Port Sudan
- On 27 May 2025, clashes between SAF and an armed group (likely RSF due to its similar drone attacks targeting the city i (Radio Dabanga; Sudan War Updates)
ACLED Update — 2026-05-26
- [2025-05-19] Battles — Armed clash | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Port Sudan
- On 19 May 2025, clashes between SAF and an armed group (likely RSF due to its similar drone attacks targeting the city i (Radio Dabanga; Sudan News)
- [2025-05-19] Battles — Government regains territory | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Al Alaga | 15 fatalities
- On 19 May 2025, clashes between SAF and RSF continued in Al Alaga (Um Rimta, White Nile), with SAF airstrikes being repo (ACJPS; Al Zool; Ghandi Ibrahim; Sudan Tribune; Sudan War Updates; Twitter)
- [2025-05-19] Battles — Government regains territory | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Omdurman - Al Salha | 3 fatalities
- On 19 May 2025, clashes between SAF and RSF continued in Omdurman - Al Salha (Omdurman, Khartoum), with SAF regaining co (Al Zool; Beam reports; Ghandi Ibrahim; Mohamed Khalifa; Radio Dabanga; Sudan News Agency; Sudan Now; Sudan Tribune; Sudan War Updates; Twitter)
- [2025-05-19] Battles — Government regains territory | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Um Lubana
- On 19 May 2025, clashes between SAF, backed by Darfur Joint Forces/JSAMF and Al Baraa Ibn Malik Brigade, and RSF continu (Al Mashhad Al Sudani; Al Rakoba; Radio Dabanga; Sudan Now; Sudan Tribune; Sudan War Monitor; Sudan War Updates)
- [2025-05-19] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | El Fasher
- On 19 May 2025, RSF launched fighter drones and shelled artillery, while SAF responded with anti-aircraft fire in El Fas (Al Zool; Muammar Ibrahim; Twitter)
- [2025-05-26] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | El Fasher
- On 26 May 2025, clashes between RSF, backed by a militia (described as an Arab militia, coded as Darfur Arab militia), a (Al Rakoba; Muammar Ibrahim; Radio Dabanga; Sudan War Updates; Twitter)
- [2025-05-19] Battles — Armed clash | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Um Lubana
- On 19 May 2025, clashes erupted between SAF, backed by Darfur Joint Forces, and RSF in Um Lubana (Al Khiwai, West Darfur (Insights)
- [2025-05-26] Battles — Armed clash | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Muglad
- On 26 May 2025, clashes erupted between SAF and RSF in an area north of Muglad (Abyei, West Kordofan). Casualties unknow (Insights)
ACLED Update — 2026-05-25
- [2025-05-25] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Rapid Support Forces | Fata Borno
- On 25 May 2025, two RSF groups clashed in an IDP camp in Fata Borno (Kutum, North Darfur). There were no casualties. The (Darfur 24; Sudan War Updates; Twitter)
- [2025-05-18] Battles — Government regains territory | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Al Alaga
- On 18 May 2025, clashes erupted between SAF, backed by SS, and RSF in Al Alaga (Um Rimta, White Nile). SAF regained cont (Insights)
ACLED Update — 2026-05-24
- [2025-05-17] Battles — Armed clash | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Port Sudan
- On 17 May 2025, clashes between SAF and suspected RSF continued in Port Sudan (Port Sudan, Red Sea), with suspected RSF (Al Rakoba; Radio Dabanga; Sudan News; Sudan War Updates; Twitter)
- [2025-05-17] Battles — Government regains territory | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Al Atrun | 10 fatalities
- On 17 May 2025, clashes between SAF, backed by Darfur Joint Forces/JSAMF, and RSF in Al Atrun (Al Malha, North Darfur). (Al Mashhad Al Sudani; Al Rakoba; Al Rakoba News; Al Sudani; Al Taghyeer (Sudan); Beam reports; Darfur 24; Ghandi Ibrahim; JSAMF Darfur; Justice and Equity Movement; Mohamed Khalifa; Muammar Ibrahim; New Arab; Radio Dabanga; Sudan Akhbar; Sudan News; Sudan News Agency; Sudan Now; Sudan Tribune; Sudan War Monitor; Sudan War Updates; Twitter)
- [2025-05-17] Battles — Government regains territory | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Malha
- On 17 May 2025, clashes between SAF, backed by Darfur Joint Forces/JSAMF, and RSF in Bado Ba (location not found and cod (Al Rakoba News; Twitter)
- [2025-05-17] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | El Fasher
- On 17 May 2025, clashes between RSF, backed by a militia (described as an Arab militia, coded as Darfur Arab militia), a (Al Zool)
- [2025-05-24] Battles — Armed clash | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Port Sudan
- On 24 May 2025, clashes between SAF and an armed group (likely RSF due to its similar drone attacks targeting the city i (Radio Dabanga)
- [2025-05-17] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | Merowe
- On 17 May 2025, RSF fighter drones targeted the city, while SAF responded with anti-aircraft fire in Merowe (Merowe, Nor (Sudan War Updates; Twitter)
- [2025-05-17] Battles — Armed clash | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Dibebad
- On 17 May 2025, clashes between SAF, backed by Darfur Joint Forces/JSAMF, and RSF continued in Dibebad (Al Quoz, South K (Al Zool)
ACLED Update — 2026-05-23
- [2025-05-16] Battles — Government regains territory | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Ad Dakka
- On 16 May 2025, clashes between SAF and RSF, backed by SFA continued in Ad Dakka (Abu Jubayhah, South Kordofan). SAF reg (Sudan Tribune; Sudan War Updates)
- [2025-05-16] Battles — Armed clash | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Port Sudan
- On 16 May 2025, clashes between SAF and RSF continued in Port Sudan (Port Sudan, Red Sea), with RSF drone strikes being (Ghandi Ibrahim; Mohamed Abderahman)
- [2025-05-23] Battles — Government regains territory | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Sungikai
- On 23 May 2025, clashes between SAF, backed by Darfur Joint Forces/JSAMF, and RSF continued in Sungikai (Al Quoz, South (Ghandi Ibrahim)
- [2025-05-23] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | El Fasher | 6 fatalities
- On 23 May 2025, clashes between RSF, backed by a militia (described as an Arab militia, coded as Darfur Arab militia), a (Aid Worker Security Database; Al Rakoba; Darfur 24; Ghandi Ibrahim; Sudan News Agency; Sudan Now; Sudan War Updates; WikiLeaks - El Fasher ‘Darfur News’)
- [2025-05-16] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | Merowe
- On 16 May 2025, RSF fighter drones targeted SAF, while SAF responded with anti-aircraft fire in Merowe (Merowe, Northern (Sudan News)
- [2025-05-23] Battles — Government regains territory | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Dibebad | 11 fatalities
- On 23 May 2025, clashes between SAF, backed by Darfur Joint Forces/JSAMF, and RSF continued in Dibebad (Al Quoz, South K (Al Jazeera; Al Rakoba News; Beam reports; Ghandi Ibrahim; IOM; JSAMF Darfur; Justice and Equality Movement; Radio Dabanga; Sudan News; Sudan News Agency; Sudan Tribune; Sudan War Monitor; Sudan War Updates; Twitter; WikiLeaks - El Fasher ‘Darfur News’)
- [2025-05-16] Battles — Armed clash | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs SPLM-N-Abdelaziz: Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (North) (Abdelaziz al-Hilu faction) | Dalami
- On 16 May 2025, clashes erupted between SAF and SPLM-N-Abdelaziz in Dalami (Delami, South Kordofan). Casualties unknown. (Insights)
ACLED Update — 2026-05-20
- [2025-05-13] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | El Fasher | 10 fatalities
- On 13 May 2025, clashes between RSF, backed by a militia (described as an Arab militia, coded as Darfur Arab militia), a (Al Mashhad Al Sudani; Al Rakoba; Darfur 24; IOM; Radio Dabanga; Twitter; UNICEF; Yale School of Public Health)
- [2025-05-13] Battles — Government regains territory | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Al Hamadi | 10 fatalities
- On 13 May 2025, clashes between SAF, backed by Darfur Joint Forces/JSAMF, and RSF continued in Al Hamadi (Al Quoz, South (Al Jazeera; Al Mashhad Al Sudani; Al Rakoba News; Al Taghyeer (Sudan); Asharq News Sudan; Beam reports; Darfur 24; Ghandi Ibrahim; JSAMF Darfur; Radio Dabanga; Rapid Support Forces; Sudan News; Sudan News Agency; Sudan Tribune; Sudan War Monitor; Sudan War Updates; Twitter)
- [2025-05-13] Battles — Armed clash | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Port Sudan
- On 13 May 2025, clashes between SAF and RSF continued in Port Sudan (Port Sudan, Red Sea), with RSF drone strikes and SA (Insights; Mohamed Abderahman; Radio Dabanga)
- [2025-05-13] Battles — Armed clash | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Omdurman - Al Salha
- On 13 May 2025, clashes between SAF and RSF continued in Omdurman - Al Salha (Omdurman, Khartoum). Casualties unknown. (Sudan News; Sudan Tribune)
- [2025-05-13] Battles — Armed clash | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Umm Adara
- On 13 May 2025, clashes between SAF and RSF, backed by SFA continued in Umm Adara (Keilak, West Kordofan). RSF repelled (Sudan News)
- [2025-05-13] Battles — Armed clash | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Kazgil | 12 fatalities
- On 13 May 2025, clashes between SAF, backed by Darfur Joint Forces/JSAMF and RSF continued west of Kazgil (Sheikan, Nort (Justice and Equality Movement)
- [2025-05-20] Battles — Government regains territory | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Omdurman - Al Salha | 1 fatalities
- On 20 May 2025, clashes between SAF and RSF continued in Omdurman - Al Salha (Omdurman, Khartoum), with SAF regaining co (Al Rakoba; Al Rakoba News; Beam reports; Muammar Ibrahim; New Arab; Sudan War Updates; Twitter)
- [2025-05-20] Battles — Armed clash | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Omdurman - Abu Rof
- On 20 May 2025, clashes between SAF and RSF continued in Omdurman - Abu Rof (Omdurman, Khartoum), with RSF drone strikes (Al Rakoba; Ghandi Ibrahim; Mohamed Khalifa; Radio Dabanga)
- [2025-05-13] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | Al Khowai | 20 fatalities
- On 13 May 2025, clashes between RSF, backed by Seleka members, and SAF, backed by Darfur Joint Forces/JSAMF and Al Baraa (Al Mashhad Al Sudani; Al Rakoba; Al Rakoba News; Al Taghyeer (Sudan); Alnilin; Darfur 24; Ghandi Ibrahim; IOM; JSAMF Darfur; Mohamed Khalifa; Muammar Ibrahim; Radio Dabanga; Rapid Support Forces; Sudan News Agency; Sudan Tribune; Sudan War Monitor; Sudan War Updates; Twitter; WikiLeaks - El Fasher ‘Darfur News’) BLUF
The Sudan Civil War is an active intra-state armed conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), under General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), under General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (“Hemeti”). Hostilities erupted on 15 April 2023 in Khartoum and Merowe after the collapse of the SAF–RSF coalition that had jointly executed the October 2021 coup against Sudan’s civilian-military transitional government. Within weeks the RSF had seized most of Khartoum, forcing the SAF to relocate the de facto capital to Port Sudan on the Red Sea coast.
The war is the paradigm case of contemporary African internecine proxy warfare and combines three analytically distinct dimensions: (1) the world’s largest displacement crisis — over 12 million internally displaced and more than 2 million cross-border refugees (Fact, High; UN OCHA 2025); (2) a Darfur genocide dimension formally designated by the United States in September 2024, targeting non-Arab communities with systematic mass killing patterns inherited from the janjaweed era; and (3) a maturing RSF drone campaign against SAF strategic infrastructure that, as of May 2025, has extended from Port Sudan to Atbara, Kassala, Merowe, and the White Nile oil corridor — striking the heart of SAF logistics, rail junctions, and Red Sea petroleum nodes.
The strategic trajectory is one of hardening de facto partition: RSF entrenchment in Darfur and Kordofan (gold-economy base, UAE-backed logistics corridor via Chad and the Central African Republic), and SAF consolidation on the Nile Valley and Red Sea littoral (Egyptian air-defense and arms support, recent Russian re-engagement on naval-base terms). Multiple mediation tracks — Jeddah, Manama, IGAD, AU — have failed in sequence. El Fasher, the last non-RSF major city in Darfur, remains under siege and functions as the primary humanitarian flashpoint. Assessment (High): no negotiated settlement is in prospect within the 12-month horizon; the war is moving toward two armed statelets with externally sponsored sustainment.
Strategic Overview
The conflict’s structural origin is the October 25, 2021 coup coalition, in which Burhan and Hemeti jointly dissolved the civilian-military transitional government that had emerged from the 2019 revolution against Omar al-Bashir. The coup deferred — but did not resolve — the central institutional question of whether the RSF, a paramilitary force of approximately 70,000–100,000 fighters with an independent revenue stream from Darfur gold mining and Gulf patronage, would be integrated into the SAF chain of command. Negotiations through 2022 and early 2023 centered on the integration timeline (SAF demanded two years; RSF demanded ten) and on who would command the merged force. Both questions were existential: integration on SAF terms would have stripped Hemeti of his autonomous power base; integration on RSF terms would have given the paramilitary effective control of the state.
On 15 April 2023, fighting broke out in Khartoum, Merowe, and several Darfur cities simultaneously — a near-synchronous outbreak consistent with pre-positioned RSF combat readiness rather than reactive escalation. Within 72 hours the RSF held the presidential palace area, the airport, and most of central Khartoum. The SAF retained Wadi Seidna airbase north of Omdurman and conducted a phased withdrawal of command functions to Port Sudan, which has since served as the de facto capital. The RSF subsequently captured El Geneina (West Darfur, June 2023) with mass atrocities against the Masalit community documented by UN investigators, and consolidated control over Khartoum, Gezira, and most of Darfur and Kordofan through 2023–2024.
The mediation record is uniformly negative. The Jeddah Platform (US–Saudi co-chaired, May 2023–) produced a humanitarian declaration that neither side observed. The Manama track (UAE-adjacent) collapsed when SAF refused to attend any forum hosting RSF on equal terms. IGAD and AU efforts have foundered on the same equity problem. Assessment (High): the absence of a viable mediation architecture reflects not procedural failure but the parties’ converging belief that battlefield outcomes — not negotiated ones — will determine post-war power distribution. This is reinforced by the proxy network’s structural incentive to sustain the war: UAE arms-for-gold and Red Sea access calculations on the RSF side; Egyptian Nile-water and border-security calculations on the SAF side.
Key Actors
| Actor | Role | Sponsor | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) | State military, internationally recognized | Egypt (arms, air defense); some Sahel and Russian engagement | Controls Port Sudan (de facto capital), Red Sea littoral, northern Nile corridor, eastern Sudan |
| Rapid Support Forces (RSF) | Paramilitary, designated genocidal actor (US 2024) | UAE (arms, logistics via CAR/Chad); Russian gold deals | Controls Khartoum, Gezira, most of Darfur and Kordofan; janjaweed institutional successor |
| Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan | SAF commander, de facto head of state | — | Led the October 2021 coup with Hemeti; based in Port Sudan |
| Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (“Hemeti”) | RSF commander | UAE patronage; Wagner/Africa Corps relationship | Darfur gold-mining economy base; Dagalo family controls RSF as quasi-private holding |
| Sudan Founding Alliance (SFA) | RSF-aligned political-military coalition | RSF | Includes SPLM-N (Abdelaziz faction) and other Darfur/Kordofan factions |
| Darfur Joint Forces / JSAMF | SAF-aligned ex-rebel coalition | SAF | Active in Darfur, Kordofan; former Juba Peace Agreement signatories |
| Al Baraa Ibn Malik Brigade | Islamist SAF-aligned militia | SAF informal | Khartoum/Omdurman urban combat; ex-NCP networks |
| United Arab Emirates | External patron of RSF | — | Arms transfers via Chad and Central African Republic logistics corridor; gold market access; Red Sea port ambitions |
| Egypt | External patron of SAF | — | Air defense, intelligence support, F-16 deployment near Wadi Halfa; Nile water and border security drivers |
| Russian Federation | Dual-track engagement | — | Wagner/Africa Corps gold extraction with RSF; later overtures to SAF for Red Sea naval base access |
| Iran | SAF technology supplier (contested) | — | Reported Mohajer-6 UCAV transfers to SAF (Assessment, Medium); regional positioning post Saudi-Iran normalization |
| Ukraine | RSF-targeted operations (contested) | — | Multiple ACLED-reported RSF drone strikes on Port Sudan attributed to suspected Ukrainian military operators against RSF assets (Assessment, Low-Medium; ACLED ingestion 2025-05) |
| SLM/A-Minnawi, SLM/A-Tambor | Darfur rebel factions (Juba Peace Agreement signatories) | SAF (Minnawi); fragmented | Intra-faction violence reported (e.g., Rabak 2025-05-12) |
Humanitarian Situation
- Internal displacement: over 12 million IDPs — the world’s largest internal displacement crisis as of 2025 (Fact, High; UN OCHA, IOM DTM)
- Cross-border refugees: over 2 million into Chad (~700K, mostly Darfuri Masalit), Egypt (~500K+), South Sudan (~700K, including returnees), Ethiopia, and the Central African Republic
- Darfur genocide dimension: systematic mass killings of non-Arab communities (Masalit, Fur, Zaghawa) by RSF and allied Arab militias formally documented as genocide indicators by UN Panel of Experts; US Secretary of State designation as genocide issued September 2024 (Fact, High; primary government document)
- El Fasher (North Darfur): remains the last non-RSF major city in Darfur — under sustained RSF + Arab militia siege since January 2024; recurrent high-fatality clashes captured in ACLED daily windows (11+ to 20+ fatalities per single event date through May 2025)
- Famine: IPC Phase 5 (Catastrophe) declared in multiple zones (Zamzam IDP camp North Darfur confirmed famine August 2024; subsequent IPC updates extend Phase 5 to additional Darfur and Kordofan localities)
- Infrastructure collapse: Khartoum water, electricity, hospital systems largely destroyed; over 70% of health facilities in conflict zones non-functional (WHO 2025)
- Sexual violence: documented as systematic instrument of RSF and Arab militia conduct in Darfur; UN reports of conflict-related sexual violence at scale unprecedented in current African conflicts (Assessment, High)
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2019-04 | Civilian revolution forces ouster of Omar al-Bashir; SAF–civilian transitional government formed |
| 2021-10-25 | SAF–RSF joint coup dissolves civilian-military transitional government |
| 2022–2023-Q1 | SAF–RSF integration negotiations fail over timeline and command authority |
| 2023-04-15 | Armed hostilities break out between SAF and RSF in Khartoum and Merowe |
| 2023-04–05 | RSF seizes most of Khartoum; SAF relocates de facto capital to Port Sudan |
| 2023-06 | RSF captures El Geneina (West Darfur); mass atrocities against Masalit documented |
| 2023-12 | RSF captures Wad Madani (Gezira), opening corridor toward Sennar |
| 2024-01 | RSF advances on El Fasher; siege begins, becomes principal humanitarian flashpoint |
| 2024-08 | Famine (IPC Phase 5) formally declared at Zamzam IDP camp, North Darfur |
| 2024-09 | US Secretary of State designates RSF actions in Darfur as genocide |
| 2024-Q4 | SAF begins coordinated counter-offensive in Sennar and Gezira axes |
| 2025-01 | SAF retakes Wad Madani; advances toward Khartoum from Omdurman |
| 2025-03 | RSF drone campaign reaches Port Sudan airport and Red Sea infrastructure |
| 2025-05 | SAF counter-offensive intensifies in West Kordofan (Al Khowai, Ankosh, Kazgil); RSF drone range extends to Atbara (Northern region rail junction) |
| 2025-05-11 | Two RSF factions clash at An Nahud (West Kordofan) — possible intra-RSF command-fragmentation indicator (Assessment, Low; single event) |
| 2025-12-08 | RSF seizes Heglig oil field (South Kordofan/Unity State border area); first RSF capture of operational oil infrastructure; threatens SAF petroleum revenue and South Sudan export pipeline |
| 2026-04-20 | US DoJ arrests Shamim Mafi (44, Iranian national) at LAX; charged with procuring IRGC-designated munitions fuses for SAF via Atlas International Business (Oman shell company); $7M+ in documented 2025 transactions — independently confirms Iran-SAF arms trafficking via covert procurement network |
| 2026-04-27 | Emergency Lawyers NGO (Sudan) documents RSF mass detention of thousands of women and children in El Fasher (North Darfur); detention conditions undocumented as of collection date |
| 2026-05-02 | RSF drone strikes on Khartoum corridor resume; Jebel Awliya hospital (~40km south of Khartoum) struck; 5 civilians killed (Emergency Lawyers NGO) — first RSF drone strike in Khartoum-adjacent arc after months focused on Port Sudan/coastal/northern infrastructure |
Proxy Network Map
| External actor | Beneficiary | Instrument | Strategic interest |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | RSF | Arms transfers via Central African Republic / Chad logistics corridor; gold-market access; reported small-arms airlifts staged through Amdjarass | Dagalo patronage network; Red Sea port access; counter-MB regional alignment; anti-Egyptian Nile leverage |
| Egypt | SAF | Arms, training, intelligence, F-16 air policing near Wadi Halfa, diplomatic cover | Nile water security (vs. GERD/Ethiopia); border security; SAF officer corps networks deep in Cairo |
| Russian Federation (Wagner / Africa Corps) | RSF (primary), SAF (secondary, post-2024) | Military advisers; gold extraction (Meroe Gold / M-Invest); arms; latterly SAF overtures | Sudanese Red Sea naval base ambition (Port Sudan logistics agreement); strategic position on Bab al-Mandeb approaches; gold revenue |
| Iran | SAF (arms supply confirmed for components; Mohajer-6 transfers still Assessment) | Confirmed: IRGC munitions components via third-country shell company (DoJ prosecution, 2026-04-20); reported: Mohajer-6 UCAV transfers (Assessment, Medium — independent forensic confirmation still pending) | Regional positioning post Saudi-Iran normalization; Red Sea access; counter-UAE/Israel signaling. Fact (High): US DoJ arrested Shamim Mafi (age 44) at LAX on 2026-04-20, charged with procuring IRGC-designated munitions components (fuses) for SAF delivery via Atlas International Business (Oman-registered shell company); $7M+ in transactions during 2025. This independently confirms Iran-SAF arms trafficking through documented covert procurement channels. |
| Ukraine | Anti-RSF counter-drone / SOF operations (contested) | Reported Ukrainian military operators on RSF drone targets at Port Sudan and Atbara per multiple ACLED sourcing chains | Counter-Russian / counter-Wagner operations rationale; intelligence not independently confirmed (Assessment, Low-Medium) |
| Saudi Arabia | Co-mediator (Jeddah Platform) | Diplomatic forum; humanitarian funding | Red Sea security; counter-Iranian containment; balanced posture between UAE-RSF and SAF |
| Turkey | SAF (limited) | Reported Bayraktar TB2 transfers to SAF (2024–2025) | Africa positioning; counter-UAE; UCAV market expansion |
Gap (partially closed — Iran): US DoJ prosecution of Shamim Mafi (2026-04-20) confirms Iranian arms trafficking to SAF via IRGC-designated munitions components. The Mohajer-6 UCAV transfer claim remains Assessment (Medium) — no independent forensic confirmation of platform delivery. Open-source forensic confirmation of Ukrainian SOF presence at Port Sudan and the full UAE arms corridor through Amdjarass remains incomplete. Assessment (Medium): the broad proxy structure is confirmed; specific platform attributions await independent forensic work.
Strategic Implications
(1) Sudan as the paradigm of contemporary African proxy warfare. The RSF–UAE–Russia axis vs. the SAF–Egypt axis maps cleanly onto a broader regional competition: Gulf monarchies’ counter-Muslim-Brotherhood doctrine (UAE/Saudi positioning), Russian Red Sea naval ambitions, Egyptian Nile-Valley state preservation, and a layered Wagner/Africa Corps presence that arbitrages between both sides. The case demonstrates that contemporary African civil wars are no longer Cold War proxy contests in the bipolar sense but multi-vector patronage markets in which the same external actor (Russia) can sponsor both belligerents at different points in the conflict, and in which gold revenue functions as the principal arms-financing instrument outside the formal international financial system. Assessment (High): Sudan’s structure prefigures the pattern likely to recur in the Sahel and Horn of Africa across the next decade.
(2) Humanitarian catastrophe with structural regional spillover. The Sahel–Horn corridor is being destabilized by Sudan’s collapse along three vectors: the Chad refugee burden (>700K Masalit and other Darfuri arrivals in eastern Chad, straining N’Djamena’s relationship with both belligerents and exposing Chadian territory to RSF logistics-corridor use); South Sudan economic shock (Sudan-Port-Sudan pipeline disruptions cutting Juba’s oil revenues by an estimated 40–60%); and Ethiopian and CAR cascade pressure (additional refugee flows compounding pre-existing fragility). The Red Sea security dimension is equally consequential: RSF drone capability against Port Sudan and Saudi-Iran-Houthi maritime competition share an operational space, and a partition outcome that puts the Sudanese Red Sea coast under contested control would reshape the entire Bab al-Mandeb approach geometry. See DR Congo Conflict for the parallel proxy-pattern dynamic in central Africa.
(3) Partition trajectory and Red Sea geopolitical stakes. The 12–24 month assessment trajectory is toward de facto partition: an RSF-controlled western axis (Darfur, Kordofan, parts of Khartoum/Gezira) sustained by UAE patronage and gold-revenue extraction, and an SAF-controlled eastern axis (Nile Valley north of Khartoum, Red Sea littoral, eastern Sudan) sustained by Egyptian backing and (increasingly) Russian engagement on naval-base terms. Such a partition would create the first contemporary case of two armed African statelets formally aligned with mutually antagonistic Gulf patrons across a single Red Sea-facing geography — with implications for Saudi Vision 2030 NEOM corridor security, Egyptian Nile-Red Sea linkage, Israeli–UAE Red Sea cooperation under the Abraham Accords framework, and Russian Mediterranean-to-Indian-Ocean force projection. Assessment (Medium-High): partition outcomes, once consolidated, are highly path-dependent; the window to prevent structural partition has narrowed substantially as of mid-2025.
Cross-References
- Sudan
- Rapid Support Forces
- Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (“Hemeti”)
- Abdel Fattah al-Burhan
- United Arab Emirates
- Egypt
- Russian Federation
- Iran
- Wagner Group
- DR Congo Conflict — parallel proxy-war pattern in Africa
- Yemen War — RSF-UAE patronage parallel; Red Sea theater linkage
- Proxy Warfare
- Drone Warfare
- Mohajer-6
- Bayraktar TB2
Sources
- UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) — Sudan situation reports (2024–2025) — Fact, High
- ACLED — Armed Conflict Location & Event Data, Sudan dashboard — Fact, High (primary event-level data; see ingestion sections below)
- US Department of State — Sudan genocide designation, September 2024 — Fact, High (primary government document)
- UN Panel of Experts on Sudan — report on arms embargo violations (2024) — Fact, High
- International Crisis Group — Sudan reports and “Conflict in Focus” briefs (2023–2025) — Assessment, High (primary analytical)
- Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect — El Fasher monitoring reports — Fact, High
- IPC Famine Review Committee — Sudan IPC analyses (Zamzam August 2024 +) — Fact, High
- Sudan War Monitor; Radio Dabanga; Sudan Tribune — open-source conflict tracking — Fact-to-Assessment, Medium-High (corroboration required)
- Reuters, AP, Al Jazeera — Sudan field reporting (2023–2025) — Fact, High
- IOM Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) — Sudan — Fact, High
- US Department of Justice — United States v. Shamim Mafi, indictment/arrest (2026-04-20), LAX; charges: conspiracy to violate IRGC arms embargo, procurement of fuses for SAF via Atlas International Business (Oman) — Fact, High (primary government document)
- Emergency Lawyers (Sudan NGO) — El Fasher mass detention reporting (2026-04-27); Jebel Awliya hospital strike (2026-05-02) — Fact, Medium (primary NGO; single source; corroboration required)
Delta Update — 2026-05-15
External OSINT sweep. Window: 2026-05-11 → 2026-05-15. Source environment degraded: Tavily/Exa/WebSearch auth errors; collection via mcp__fetch from Al Jazeera primary URLs and DoJ press release archive.
Assessment update — Iran proxy row upgraded; RSF Khartoum drone campaign resumes
Iran arms trafficking — gap closed to Fact (High): The most significant development in the 2026-05-15 collection window is the US DoJ arrest of Shamim Mafi (2026-04-20), which upgrades the Iran-SAF arms row from Assessment (Medium — contested) to Fact (High — DoJ primary record). The prosecution documents a structured IRGC-linked procurement network: Atlas International Business (Oman-registered shell company) as the commercial intermediary, $7M+ in 2025 transactions targeting IRGC-designated munitions fuses (not UCAVs), delivery routing through Oman to evade US sanctions. This closes the Iran-SAF forensic gap for the component/munitions layer, while the Mohajer-6 UCAV transfer claim remains at Assessment (Medium) pending independent platform-delivery forensics.
RSF drone campaign — Khartoum arc reactivated: RSF drone strikes reached Jebel Awliya (~40km south of Khartoum) on 2026-05-02, striking the local hospital and killing 5 civilians (Emergency Lawyers NGO). This represents a geographic re-expansion of the RSF drone campaign after months concentrated on Port Sudan, Kassala, Merowe, and Atbara. The Khartoum-adjacent strike marks the first documented attack on the Khartoum-Nile corridor in the 2025–2026 window. (Assessment, Medium-High.)
Heglig oil field seizure (2025-12-08 — backfill): RSF seized the Heglig oil field (South Kordofan/Unity State border) in December 2025. Heglig is Sudan’s historically significant oil infrastructure site — the site of the 2012 SAF-SPLA border conflict. Its seizure cuts SAF petroleum revenue, disrupts the South Sudan oil export pipeline, and gives the RSF a potentially significant rent-extraction and bargaining asset. (Fact, Medium — Al Jazeera regional reporting; independent oil-sector corroboration required.)
El Fasher mass detentions (2026-04-27): Emergency Lawyers NGO documented RSF detention of thousands of women and children in El Fasher (North Darfur). Mass detention of civilian non-combatants is consistent with the genocide designation issued by the US in September 2024. The scale (thousands detained) suggests systematic population-control operations in the pre-assault phase. (Fact, Medium — Emergency Lawyers single-source; corroboration gap.)
Standing gaps (updated 2026-05-15)
| Gap | Status |
|---|---|
| Mohajer-6 UCAV transfer forensics | Open (Assessment, Medium). DoJ prosecution confirms component trafficking; UCAV platform delivery awaits independent evidence. |
| Heglig seizure — oil-sector revenue impact | Open. Seizure confirmed (Medium); production status and SAF revenue loss quantum not documented. |
| El Fasher mass detention — scale and conditions | Open. Emergency Lawyers NGO single-source; UN and ICRC corroboration needed. |
| Ukrainian SOF Port Sudan — forensic confirmation | Open (Assessment, Low-Medium). Multiple ACLED sourcing chains; no named intelligence confirmation. |
| UAE Amdjarass corridor — customs/logistics documentation | Open. Broad structure confirmed; specific shipment records not in open-source record. |
ACLED Update — 2026-05-15
- [2025-05-08] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | Kosti
- On 8 May 2025, RSF fighter drones strikes targeted oil depots, while SAF responded with anti-aircraft fire in Kosti (Kos (Al Jazeera; Al Mashhad Al Sudani; Al Rakoba News; Al Sudani; Asharq News Sudan; Sudan Akhbar; Sudan News; Sudan Tribune; Sudan War Updates; Twitter)
- [2025-05-08] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | Tandalti | 10 fatalities
- On 8 May 2025, RSF fighter drones targeted SAF, while SAF responded with anti-aircraft fire in Tandalti (Tendalti, White (Asharq News Sudan; Sudan News; Sudan Tribune)
- [2025-05-08] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | Port Sudan
- On 8 May 2025, RSF fighter drones targeted SAF sea base Air College, while SAF responded with ground anti-aircraft fire (Al Mashhad Al Sudani; Asharq News Sudan; Sudan Akhbar; Sudan News; Sudan Tribune; Sudan War Updates; Twitter)
- [2025-05-08] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | Kassala
- On 8 May 2025, RSF fighter drones targeted the airport, while SAF responded with ground anti-aircraft fire in Kassala (M (Sudan News; Sudan War Updates; Twitter)
- [2025-05-08] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | El Fasher | 15 fatalities
- On 8 May 2025, clashes between RSF, backed by a militia (described as an Arab militia, coded as Darfur Arab militia), an (Al Rakoba News; Sudan News Agency; Twitter; Wakalat)
- [2025-05-08] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | Rabak
- On 8 May 2025, RSF fighter drones strikes targeted oil depots, while SAF responded with anti-aircraft fire in Rabak (Rab (Al Mashhad Al Sudani; Sudan News)
- [2025-05-08] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | Kenana
- On 8 May 2025, RSF fighter drones targeted SAF Air Defense base, while SAF responded with ground anti-aircraft fire in K (Insights; Sudan News; Sudan Tribune)
- [2025-05-15] Battles — Government regains territory | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Al Tarida
- On 15 May 2025, clashes between SAF and RSF, backed by SFA continued in Al Tarida (Abu Jubayhah, South Kordofan). SAF re (Al Jazeera; Sudan Tribune)
- [2025-05-15] Battles — Government regains territory | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Al Kerieb
- On 15 May 2025, clashes between SAF, backed by Darfur Joint Forces/JSAMF and RSF continued in Al Kerieb (Al Quoz, South (Ghandi Ibrahim)
- [2025-05-15] Battles — Government regains territory | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Um Saadah
- On 15 May 2025, clashes between SAF, backed by Darfur Joint Forces/JSAMF and RSF continued in Um Saadah (Al Quoz, South (Ghandi Ibrahim)
- [2025-05-15] Battles — Government regains territory | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Um Dehelieb
- On 15 May 2025, clashes between SAF and RSF, backed by SFA continued in Um Dehelieb (Ghadeer, South Kordofan). SAF regai (Al Mashhad Al Sudani; Al Sudani; Ghandi Ibrahim; IOM; Mohamed Khalifa; Radio Dabanga; Sudan News; Sudan War Monitor; Sudan War Updates; Twitter)
- [2025-05-15] Battles — Armed clash | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Al Shoushia
- Around 15 May 2025 (as reported), clashes between SAF, backed by Darfur Joint Forces/JSAMF, and RSF continued in Al Shou (Beam reports)
- [2025-05-15] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | Al Khowai
- On 15 May 2025, clashes between RSF, and SAF, backed by Darfur Joint Forces/JSAMF and Al Baraa Ibn Malik Brigade, contin (Al Zool)
- [2025-05-08] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | Merowe
- On 8 May 2025, RSF fighter drones targeted SAF, while SAF responded with anti-aircraft fire in Merowe (Merowe, Northern) (Sudan News; Sudan War Updates; Twitter)
- [2025-05-15] Battles — Armed clash | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Dibebad
- On 15 May 2025, clashes between SAF, backed by Darfur Joint Forces/JSAMF, and RSF continued east of Dibebad (Al Quoz, So (Ghandi Ibrahim; Mohamed Khalifa; Sudan War Updates; Twitter)
ACLED Update — 2026-05-12
- [2025-05-05] Battles — Government regains territory | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Kabus
- On 5 May 2025, clashes between SAF and RSF, backed by SFA, continued in Kabus (Rashad, South Kordofan). SAF regained con (Al Rakoba News; Twitter)
- [2025-05-05] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | Kassala
- On 5 May 2025, RSF fighter drones targeted the airport, while SAF responded with ground anti-aircraft fire in Kassala (M (Al Rakoba; Al Rakoba News; Asharq News Sudan; Radio Dabanga; Sudan News; Sudan War Updates; Twitter; Wakalat; Xinhua)
- [2025-05-05] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | El Fasher | 12 fatalities
- On 5 May 2025, clashes between RSF, backed by a militia (described as an Arab militia, coded as Darfur Arab militia), an (Sudan News Agency; Sudan War Updates; Twitter)
- [2025-05-05] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | Kega
- On 5 May 2025, clashes between RSF backed by SFA, and SAF continued in Kega (Ar Reif Ash Shargi, South Kordofan). Casual (Twitter)
- [2025-05-12] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | El Fasher | 10 fatalities
- On 12 May 2025, clashes between RSF, backed by a militia (described as an Arab militia, coded as Darfur Arab militia), a (Darfur 24; Mohamed Khalifa; Radio Dabanga; Sudan News; Sudan War Monitor; Sudan War Updates; Twitter)
- [2025-05-12] Battles — Armed clash | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Port Sudan | 1 fatalities
- On 12 May 2025, clashes between SAF and suspected RSF continued in Port Sudan (Port Sudan, Red Sea), with suspected RSF (Al Arab; Al Mashhad Al Sudani; Al Rakoba; Radio Dabanga; Sudan News)
- [2025-05-12] Battles — Government regains territory | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | An Nahud
- On 12 May 2025, clashes between SAF, backed by Darfur Joint Forces/JSAMF and RSF continued in Jabal Hidob east of An Nah (Ghandi Ibrahim)
- [2025-05-12] Battles — Armed clash | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Omdurman | 11 fatalities
- On 12 May 2025, SAF supported by Darfur Joint Forces/JSAMF killed an unspecified large number of RSF including an RSF fi (Al Rakoba News; Al Sudani; Sudan News; WikiLeaks - El Fasher ‘Darfur News’)
- [2025-05-12] Battles — Armed clash | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | An Nahud
- On 12 May 2025, clashes between SAF, backed by Darfur Joint Forces/JSAMF, and RSF continued around An Nahud (An Nuhud, W (Sudan News)
- [2025-05-05] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | Port Sudan
- On 5 May 2025, RSF fighter drones, some suspected to be operated by Ukrainian military forces, targeted fuel depots, whi (ACJPS; Al Jazeera; Al Mashhad Al Sudani; Al Rakoba; Al Sudani; Al Taghyeer (Sudan); Ayin Network; Beam reports; Darfur 24; International Crisis Group; Radio Dabanga; Reuters; Sudan Akhbar; Sudan News; Sudan News Agency; Sudan Now; Sudan Tribune; Sudan War Monitor; Sudan War Updates; Twitter; Xinhua)
- [2025-05-05] Battles — Armed clash | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs SFA: Sudan Founding Alliance | Kazgil
- On 5 May 2025, SAF clashed with SFA (coded as RSF and SPLM-N-Abdelaziz) in Kazgil (Sheikan, North Kordofan). Casualties (Insights)
- [2025-05-12] Battles — Armed clash | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Omdurman - Al Salha
- On 12 May 2025, clashes between SAF and RSF continued in Omdurman - Al Salha (Omdurman, Khartoum). Casualties unknown. (Insights)
- [2025-05-12] Battles — Armed clash | SLM/A-Minnawi: Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (Minnawi Faction) vs SLM/A-Tambor: Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (Mustafa Tambor Faction) | Rabak
- On 12 May 2025, members of SLM/A-Minnawi shot and injured an unspecified leader from SLM/A-Tambor in Rabak (Rabak, White (Insights)
ACLED Update — 2026-05-12
- [2025-05-05] Battles — Government regains territory | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Kabus
- On 5 May 2025, clashes between SAF and RSF, backed by SFA, continued in Kabus (Rashad, South Kordofan). SAF regained con (Al Rakoba News; Twitter)
- [2025-05-05] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | Kassala
- On 5 May 2025, RSF fighter drones targeted the airport, while SAF responded with ground anti-aircraft fire in Kassala (M (Al Rakoba; Al Rakoba News; Asharq News Sudan; Radio Dabanga; Sudan News; Sudan War Updates; Twitter; Wakalat; Xinhua)
- [2025-05-05] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | El Fasher | 12 fatalities
- On 5 May 2025, clashes between RSF, backed by a militia (described as an Arab militia, coded as Darfur Arab militia), an (Sudan News Agency; Sudan War Updates; Twitter)
- [2025-05-05] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | Kega
- On 5 May 2025, clashes between RSF backed by SFA, and SAF continued in Kega (Ar Reif Ash Shargi, South Kordofan). Casual (Twitter)
- [2025-05-12] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | El Fasher | 10 fatalities
- On 12 May 2025, clashes between RSF, backed by a militia (described as an Arab militia, coded as Darfur Arab militia), a (Darfur 24; Mohamed Khalifa; Radio Dabanga; Sudan News; Sudan War Monitor; Sudan War Updates; Twitter)
- [2025-05-12] Battles — Armed clash | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Port Sudan | 1 fatalities
- On 12 May 2025, clashes between SAF and suspected RSF continued in Port Sudan (Port Sudan, Red Sea), with suspected RSF (Al Arab; Al Mashhad Al Sudani; Al Rakoba; Radio Dabanga; Sudan News)
- [2025-05-12] Battles — Government regains territory | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | An Nahud
- On 12 May 2025, clashes between SAF, backed by Darfur Joint Forces/JSAMF and RSF continued in Jabal Hidob east of An Nah (Ghandi Ibrahim)
- [2025-05-12] Battles — Armed clash | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Omdurman | 11 fatalities
- On 12 May 2025, SAF supported by Darfur Joint Forces/JSAMF killed an unspecified large number of RSF including an RSF fi (Al Rakoba News; Al Sudani; Sudan News; WikiLeaks - El Fasher ‘Darfur News’)
- [2025-05-12] Battles — Armed clash | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | An Nahud
- On 12 May 2025, clashes between SAF, backed by Darfur Joint Forces/JSAMF, and RSF continued around An Nahud (An Nuhud, W (Sudan News)
- [2025-05-05] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | Port Sudan
- On 5 May 2025, RSF fighter drones, some suspected to be operated by Ukrainian military forces, targeted fuel depots, whi (ACJPS; Al Jazeera; Al Mashhad Al Sudani; Al Rakoba; Al Sudani; Al Taghyeer (Sudan); Ayin Network; Beam reports; Darfur 24; International Crisis Group; Radio Dabanga; Reuters; Sudan Akhbar; Sudan News; Sudan News Agency; Sudan Now; Sudan Tribune; Sudan War Monitor; Sudan War Updates; Twitter; Xinhua)
- [2025-05-05] Battles — Armed clash | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs SFA: Sudan Founding Alliance | Kazgil
- On 5 May 2025, SAF clashed with SFA (coded as RSF and SPLM-N-Abdelaziz) in Kazgil (Sheikan, North Kordofan). Casualties (Insights)
- [2025-05-12] Battles — Armed clash | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Omdurman - Al Salha
- On 12 May 2025, clashes between SAF and RSF continued in Omdurman - Al Salha (Omdurman, Khartoum). Casualties unknown. (Insights)
- [2025-05-12] Battles — Armed clash | SLM/A-Minnawi: Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (Minnawi Faction) vs SLM/A-Tambor: Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (Mustafa Tambor Faction) | Rabak
- On 12 May 2025, members of SLM/A-Minnawi shot and injured an unspecified leader from SLM/A-Tambor in Rabak (Rabak, White (Insights)
Situation Synthesis — 2026-05-11
Assessment (Medium-High). ACLED data for 2026-05-11 captures two operationally significant developments. First, SAF — backed by Darfur Joint Forces/JSAMF — is recording a coordinated counter-offensive in the Al Khowai / West Kordofan axis: “Government regains territory” events at Al Khowai (20 fatalities), Ankosh, and Kazgil represent the most geographically coherent SAF territorial-gain cluster in the current ACLED window, suggesting deliberate operational coordination rather than isolated contact. Second, RSF fighter drone strikes reached Atbara (Northern region) on 2026-05-11, extending the drone campaign beyond the previously documented Port Sudan–Merowe–Kassala arc into northern Sudan’s primary railway junction — the convergence point of the Nile Valley and Khartoum–Port Sudan rail lines. Striking Atbara signals an intent to interdict SAF logistics and northern resupply corridors, not merely harass coastal infrastructure. A third signal: two RSF factions clashed at An Nahud (West Kordofan) on the same date — a potential intra-RSF command-fragmentation indicator, though a single ACLED event is insufficient to confirm a trend. El Fasher contact continues at high intensity (17 fatalities, RSF + Arab militia vs. SAF + Darfur Joint Forces) — North Darfur remains the principal humanitarian flashpoint.
Sources: ACLED ingestion 2026-05-11. Confidence: Medium-High on event capture; analytical framing Low-Medium pending SAF operational communiqués.
ACLED Update — 2026-05-11
- [2025-05-04] Battles — Armed clash | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Ombada | 3 fatalities
- On 4 May 2025, SAF supported by Abu Tira killed an unspecified number of RSF (likely during an armed clash, due to no re (Al Rakoba News; Insights)
- [2025-05-04] Battles — Armed clash | Misseriya Ethnic Militia (Sudan) vs Ngok Clan Militia (Sudan) | Noong | 6 fatalities
- On 4 May 2025, members of the Misseriya community clashed with Ngok Dinka members in Luki area (location coded to Noong, (Risk and Strategic Management, Corporation)
- [2025-05-04] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | Kassala
- On 4 May 2025, RSF fighter drones targeted the airport, while SAF responded with ground anti-aircraft fire in Kassala (M (Al Ayn; Al Mashhad Al Sudani; Al Rakoba; Al Sudani; Beam reports; Radio Dabanga; Sudan News; Sudan War Updates; The Middle East Journal; Twitter)
- [2025-05-04] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | El Fasher | 11 fatalities
- On 4 May 2025, clashes between RSF, backed by a militia (described as an Arab militia, coded as Darfur Arab militia), an (Al Mashhad Al Sudani; Sudan News Agency)
- [2025-05-11] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | El Fasher | 17 fatalities
- On 11 May 2025, clashes between RSF, backed by a militia (described as an Arab militia, coded as Darfur Arab militia), a (Al Jazeera; Al Rakoba; Beam reports; Mohamed Abderahman; Radio Dabanga; Sudan News Agency; Twitter)
- [2025-05-11] Battles — Government regains territory | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Kazgil
- On 11 May 2025, clashes between SAF, backed by Darfur Joint Forces/JSAM and RSF continued in Kazgil (Sheikan, North Kord (Ghandi Ibrahim; Sudan News; Sudan War Monitor; Sudan War Updates; Twitter)
- [2025-05-11] Battles — Armed clash | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Omdurman - Al Fitahab
- On 11 May 2025, clashes between SAF and RSF continued in Omdurman Islamic University of Al Jamaa neighborhood in Omdurma (Sudan War Monitor)
- [2025-05-11] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | Atbara
- On 11 May 2025, RSF fighter drones targeted the airport, while SAF responded with ground anti-aircraft fire in Atbara (A (Al Jazeera; Al Mashhad Al Sudani; Al Rakoba; Al Rakoba News; Al Zool; Mohamed Abderahman; Radio Dabanga; Sudan News; Sudan Tribune; Sudan War Updates; Twitter)
- [2025-05-11] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Rapid Support Forces | An Nahud
- On 11 May 2025, two RSF groups clashed in An Nahud (An Nuhud, West Kordofan). Casualties unknown. (Ghandi Ibrahim)
- [2025-05-11] Battles — Government regains territory | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Al Khowai | 20 fatalities
- On 11 May 2025, clashes between SAF, backed by Darfur Joint Forces/JSAMF, and RSF continued in and around Al Khowai (Al (Al Mashhad Al Sudani; Al Rakoba; Al Sudani; Al Taghyeer (Sudan); Alnilin; Beam reports; Darfur 24; Ghandi Ibrahim; Mohamed Khalifa; Radio Dabanga; Rapid Support Forces; Sudan News; Sudan News Agency; Sudan Now; Sudan Tribune; Sudan War Monitor; Sudan War Updates; Twitter; WikiLeaks - El Fasher ‘Darfur News’)
- [2025-05-04] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | Port Sudan
- On 4 May 2025, 5-11 RSF fighter drones, some suspected to be operated by Ukrainian military forces, targeted the airport (Al Arabiya; Al Ayn; Al Jazeera; Al Mashhad Al Sudani; Al Rakoba; Al Rakoba News; Al Sudani; Al Taghyeer (Sudan); Alnilin; AP; Asharq News Sudan; Ayin Network; Beam reports; Darfur 24; International Crisis Group; Radio Dabanga; Reuters; Sudan News; Sudan News Agency; Sudan Now; Sudan Tribune; Sudan War Monitor; Sudan War Updates; Sudanese Ministry of Culture and Information; Sudanese Ministry of Defence; The Middle East Journal; Twitter; Wakalat; Xinhua)
- [2025-05-11] Battles — Government regains territory | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Ankosh
- On 11 May 2025, clashes between SAF, backed by Darfur Joint Forces/JSAMF, and RSF continued in Ankosh (Al Khiwai, West K (Ghandi Ibrahim)
- [2025-05-04] Battles — Armed clash | Rapid Support Forces vs Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) | Merowe
- On 4 May 2025, RSF fighter drones targeted SAF, while SAF responded with anti-aircraft fire in Merowe (Merowe, Northern) (Radio Dabanga; Sudan War Updates; Xinhua)
- [2025-05-11] Battles — Armed clash | Military Forces of Sudan (2019-) vs Rapid Support Forces | Port Sudan
- On 11 May 2025, clashes between SAF and RSF continued in Port Sudan (Port Sudan, Red Sea), with RSF drone strikes being (Insights)