Sudan's War Escalates: Army Advances in Kordofan While Drone Strikes Target Students
As the Sudanese army tightens its grip on North Kordofan, the brutal reality of a conflict increasingly fought with drones and disregard for civilian life comes into sharp focus. The recapture of Al-Mazroub, a strategic town and livestock market, marks a significant tactical gain for the military, yet it unfolds against a backdrop of a deadly strike on student housing that underscores the systemic violence plaguing Sudan's most vulnerable communities.
On Friday, the army's General Command announced it had retaken Al-Mazroub after what it described as 'fierce battles' against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This follows the recent recapture of Sodari, signaling a broader offensive that has seen government forces reclaim several towns in the region. Mohamed Deidan, spokesman for the Special Operations Forces in North Kordofan, confirmed on Facebook that troops entered Al-Mazroub at 9 a.m., a development corroborated by field sources.
Located approximately 130 kilometers northwest of El-Obeid, Al-Mazroub's significance lies not only in its role as a vital livestock market but also as a key military supply route. Witnesses reported that RSF fighters had withdrawn from the town in September, only to return after the army captured Sodari, before retreating again as government forces advanced. Holding Al-Mazroub strengthens the army's ability to monitor movements west of Bara and restrict its use as a transit hub, though consolidating this gain depends on securing surrounding roads and rural areas.
Drone Strike on University Housing: A New Front of Terror
While the army celebrates its advances, the Sudan Doctors Network reported a horrific incident: a drone strike on University of Kordofan student housing in El-Obeid killed five people and wounded 47 others. The network blamed the RSF, describing the attack as an escalation in strikes against civilian and educational facilities. The paramilitary group made no immediate comment, and responsibility could not be independently established, but the pattern is clear: drones are increasingly being used to terrorize civilian populations.
El-Obeid has faced repeated drone attacks in recent weeks, reflecting the weapon's growing use alongside ground operations. This tactic, which disproportionately impacts students, medical workers, and other civilians, exemplifies the extractive and oppressive logic of a war that treats human life as expendable. The international community's response, or lack thereof, raises critical questions about complicity and the failure to protect marginalized communities.
Burhan's Rhetoric vs. Reality: The Army as 'National Institution'
In Khartoum, Sudan's Sovereignty Council chairman and army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan addressed newly admitted military academy recruits, urging them to safeguard the country's security and unity, with loyalty transcending political, tribal, and regional affiliations. He described the army as a national institution serving all Sudanese. Yet, this rhetoric rings hollow against the backdrop of a conflict that has displaced millions and exacerbated systemic inequalities along ethnic and regional lines.
Burhan's call for recruits to develop their military and technical skills to 'keep pace with advances in weaponry' is particularly troubling, given the army's own use of drones and the devastating impact on civilians. The military's claim to protect civilians is contradicted by the ongoing violence and the lack of accountability for attacks on educational facilities, which are supposed to be safe spaces for young people to build futures free from oppression.
UN Security Council: A Failure to Act on Arms Embargo
The Security Council is expected to revisit Sudan sanctions before the current temporary extension expires on October 9. In September, disagreements over a US proposal to expand the Darfur arms embargo nationwide forced the council to extend existing measures by just one month. Washington seeks tighter restrictions on weapons, drones, related technology, and foreign fighters, while Russia and China have expressed reservations about widening the embargo.
Sudan's government opposes a nationwide ban, arguing it could undermine the army's ability to defend the country. Instead, it wants tougher measures to prevent weapons and foreign support from reaching the RSF. This debate, however, misses the larger point: the arms embargo, established for Darfur more than two decades ago, has failed to prevent the current catastrophe. The international community's half-measures and geopolitical posturing perpetuate a system that allows violence to continue, particularly against Black, marginalized, and rural communities who bear the brunt of this conflict.
What Does the Escalation in Kordofan Mean for Sudan's Future?
The latest escalation in Kordofan adds urgency to the Security Council debate, as military operations and drone warfare have spread beyond Darfur. The strategic importance of Kordofan, linking central Sudan to Darfur, makes control of its towns and roads critical to troop movements and supply lines. But beyond military strategy, this conflict is a stark reminder of the failures of post-colonial state-building, where power is wielded through violence and oppression rather than justice and equity.
For those of us committed to intersectional, decolonial, and antiracist frameworks, the situation in Sudan demands more than just analysis; it demands solidarity with the Sudanese people, particularly the students, activists, and communities on the frontlines. We must amplify their voices, challenge the narratives of both the army and the RSF, and call for an end to the arms trade that fuels this violence. The struggle in Sudan is not isolated; it is connected to global fights against imperialism, extractive capitalism, and systemic oppression.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the town of Al-Mazroub strategically important in the Sudan conflict?
Al-Mazroub is a strategic town in North Kordofan, located about 130 kilometers northwest of El-Obeid. It serves as a vital livestock market and a key military supply route. Controlling it allows the army to monitor movements west of Bara and restrict its use as a transit hub, which is critical for troop movements and supply lines between central Sudan and Darfur.
What was the impact of the drone strike on University of Kordofan student housing?
The Sudan Doctors Network reported that a drone strike on University of Kordofan student housing in El-Obeid killed five people and wounded 47 others. The network blamed the RSF, describing it as an escalation in strikes against civilian and educational facilities. The attack highlights the growing use of drones in the conflict and the disproportionate impact on civilians, including students.
What is the current status of the UN arms embargo on Sudan?
The UN Security Council is expected to revisit Sudan sanctions before the current temporary extension expires on October 9. In September, disagreements over a US proposal to expand the Darfur arms embargo nationwide forced a one-month extension. The US seeks tighter restrictions, while Russia and China have reservations. Sudan's government opposes a nationwide ban, arguing it could undermine the army's defense capabilities.
Photo: Asharq Al-Awsat English