Sudanese Army Claims Victory in Breaking RSF Siege of Dilling

On January 26, 2026, Sudan's military announced it had successfully broken a nearly two-year siege imposed by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on the strategic town of Dilling in South Kordofan. This siege had severely restricted access to essential supplies, leading to widespread hunger and medical shortages among the local population. Survivors reported harrowing conditions, with many resorting to eating leaves and animal skins, and some children dying from starvation. The siege began in April 2023, coinciding with the outbreak of conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF, which has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions.

Sudan army breaks two-year RSF siege of key town in the south

The Sudanese army's statement indicated that its forces had reopened a vital supply route to Dilling after inflicting "heavy losses" on the RSF. This military operation is seen as a significant gain for the army, potentially allowing for further advances against both the RSF and its ally, the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N). Dilling's location is crucial as it lies between Kadugli, the besieged state capital, and El-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, which the RSF has sought to encircle.

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The humanitarian situation in Dilling is expected to improve following the army's advance, as it will now be able to deliver much-needed medical supplies and food that had been blocked during the RSF's siege. However, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification has not officially declared famine in Dilling due to a lack of data, although severe hunger has been reported. In contrast, Kadugli has been confirmed to be experiencing famine conditions, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict.

Sudan army says two-year RSF siege of key town broken

The conflict has led to what the United Nations describes as the world's largest displacement and hunger crisis, with over 14 million people uprooted from their homes at the peak of the fighting. Since October 2025, more than 65,000 individuals have fled the Kordofan region. Despite the military's recent successes, the RSF is expected to regroup and potentially launch counteroffensives to reclaim lost territory.

Sudan Army Says RSF Siege of Key Town Has Ended

While the Sudanese army celebrates this military achievement, there are concerns regarding the humanitarian implications of ongoing violence. Reports of atrocities, including mass killings and abductions, have emerged following the RSF's capture of El-Fasher, raising fears that similar abuses could spread into Kordofan. The UN has warned that the situation remains dire, with heavy fighting and humanitarian needs persisting across large parts of the country.

Sudan’s army says it has broken RSF siege in South Kordofan

• “We left because of the hunger and humiliation,” — Haja Bahareldin, Survivor

Sudan's army says it breaks siege of southern city, survivors recount hunger and death

• “For four or five months I didn't have a single piece of bread for me or my child.” — Tambula Silia, Resident of al-Dalanj

Sudan's army says it breaks siege of southern city, survivors recount hunger and death

• “Our forces inflicted heavy losses on the enemy, both personal and equipment,” — Sudanese Army Statement

Sudan army says two-year RSF siege of key town broken

The situation in Sudan remains fluid, and while the army's recent victory in Dilling may provide some relief, the broader humanitarian crisis continues to pose significant challenges for the affected populations.

Sudanese army claims breaking long-running RSF siege