RSF Captures Key Military Base in West Kordofan
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) seized the 22nd Infantry Division headquarters in Babanusa on Monday. This capture followed a two-year siege. The RSF now controls the largest remaining army garrison in West Kordofan State.
The fall of Babanusa marks a significant defeat for the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). It underscores the RSF’s continued momentum after seizing El Fasher.
Strategic Implications of Babanusa’s Fall
With the capture of Babanusa, the RSF gains near-total control over West Kordofan. This region holds strategic importance due to its proximity to oil-producing areas bordering South Sudan.
Following the El Fasher takeover, the RSF intensified its efforts in Kordofan. They deployed fighters, launching repeated assaults on the base.
Details of the Takeover
After the defensive perimeter collapsed, remaining SAF units withdrew. Their retreat direction remains unconfirmed. The closest SAF-controlled territory is Heglig, near South Sudan’s Unity State.
The division defending Babanusa faced severe depletion. Chronic shortages and personnel losses weakened their position.
Babanusa, a critical military and transport hub, now lies in RSF hands. The town has been largely depopulated since the war started.
Political Repercussions and Ceasefire Attempts
The base’s collapse follows a recent political confrontation. General Abdelfattah al-Burhan rejected a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal. He accused the U.S. envoy of bias towards the RSF.
After Burhan’s rejection, the RSF announced a unilateral ceasefire. However, major offensive operations have continued.
Conflicting Statements from the RSF
The RSF issued conflicting statements regarding the Babanusa fighting. Their English statement claimed self-defense against a SAF attack.
The English statement did not mention capturing the army division. However, a separate Arabic statement declared the “liberation” of the 22nd Division and Babanusa.
The Arabic statement claimed the action responded to army violations of the truce. It asserted that the RSF neutralized military threats targeting civilians.
