Intense Two-Week Clashes in South Kordofan Claim Over 61 Dead

Clashes occur within Sudan’s civil war that began in April 2023 after the Sudanese army and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) entered conflict. The army holds north, east and central regions; RSF dominates Darfur and Kordofan. In 2023 SPLM-N leader Abdel Aziz al-Hilu aligned his movement with RSF, embedding fighters in RSF-run administrations in west Sudan.

Associated Press

Abdel Aziz al-Hilu leads SPLM-N, a faction of Sudan People’s Liberation Movement operating in Nuba Mountains. RSF, a Janjaweed-origin paramilitary, backs SPLM-N in South Kordofan. Otoro tribe, a minority in Nuba Mountains, is caught in crossfire. Sudan Doctors Network tracks casualties; Omran Teia directs Umm Bakhita Hospital in Dilling.

Associated Press

Sudan Doctors Network recorded 61 deaths, including nine children and five women, and said five women and nine children were among the fatalities. Survivors said civilians were “indiscriminately targeted.” They reported systematic burning of homes, shops and looting, and no safe corridors for evacuating wounded or delivering aid. Agencies estimate 30 million Sudanese need assistance, while access to fighting zones remains limited.

Dozens killed in two weeks of brutal clashes in southern Sudan, medical group says

Sudan Doctors Network spokesperson Mohamed Elsheikh said poor communication hampers verification of casualty count, which he believes exceeds reported figures. Hospital director Omran Teia told Associated Press RSF and SPLM-N forces targeted civilians in Dilling. The network warned no safe corridors exist for aid delivery and systematic burning of homes continues.

Associated Press

United Nations and several human-rights groups have repeatedly accused RSF and Sudan’s army of atrocities, including ethnic cleansing, extrajudicial killings and sexual violence against civilians. Aid organizations caution that true death toll is likely higher because many frontline areas remain inaccessible.

Dozens killed in two weeks of brutal clashes in southern Sudan, medical group says

Sudan Doctors Network’s figures rely on survivor testimonies, and limited access prevents independent verification. The SPLM-N did not respond to requests for comment, leaving a gap in its account of the incidents.

Dozens killed in two weeks of brutal clashes in southern Sudan, medical group says

• “Mohamed Elsheikh, the group’s spokesperson, told The Associated Press that poor communication has made it difficult to verify the full toll, which is likely higher as the clashes continue.” — Mohamed Elsheikh, spokesperson, Sudan Doctors Network

Associated Press

• “Umm Bakhita Hospital director Omran Teia in Dilling told the AP that civilians were targeted by the paramilitary and SPLM-N.” — Omran Teia, director, Umm Bakhita Hospital, Dilling

Associated Press

• “ The group also warned that areas around Kauda have seen “systematic burning” and attacks on civilians, with no safe corridors for evacuating the wounded or delivering aid.” — Sudan Doctors Network

Associated Press

• “ The group also warned that areas around Kauda have seen “systematic burning” and attacks on civilians, with no safe corridors for evacuating the wounded or delivering aid.” — Sudan Doctors Network

Associated Press