Sudan: RSF Seizes Heglig Oilfield in Key Victory

KHARTOUM — The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have gained control of the Heglig oil area. This strategic location is within West Kordofan State. The RSF’s advance follows the capture of the 22nd Infantry Division headquarters in Babanusa.

Videos have emerged showing RSF fighters inside the 90th Infantry Brigade Headquarters. This brigade falls under Division 22. The RSF overran the main base in Babanusa on December 1.

Heglig Under RSF Control

Strategic Importance of Heglig

The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have not yet commented on the situation. The direction of the army units’ withdrawal remains unclear.

Heglig is located along the border with South Sudan’s Unity State. It hosts one of Sudan’s most vital oilfields. Heglig also serves as the primary transit point for South Sudanese crude oil exports.

Economic Implications for South Sudan

Prolonged instability in Heglig could negatively impact South Sudan’s economy. The country heavily relies on oil revenues. Oil is transported through pipelines to Port Sudan for export.

The RSF asserted that its forces entered Heglig after army troops retreated. They described the area’s capture as a significant move forward.

RSF Statement and Objectives

Justification for the Takeover

The RSF released a statement regarding the capture of Heglig. They attributed the takeover to the retreat of the “terrorist Muslim Brotherhood army.”

According to the RSF, the liberation of Heglig represents a turning point. They consider the area’s economic importance as a major resource.

Pledge to Protect Oil Infrastructure

The RSF has pledged to protect critical oil installations and personnel in the area. They aim to ensure that the crude oil flow continues uninterrupted to South Sudan.

The force reiterated its commitment to a unilateral humanitarian truce. They also stated they reserve the right to self-defense.

Recent Battlefield Developments

The Fall of Babanusa

The takeover of Heglig follows the RSF’s capture of Babanusa. The army’s inability to resupply led to the collapse of Division 22.

Last month, the RSF shot down a transport aircraft near Babanusa. This severed a key supply line and resulted in crew fatalities.

Army’s Footprint Diminishing

The loss of Heglig further reduces the army’s presence in West Kordofan. It was the last territory within the state under Sudanese military control.

This setback adds to a series of battlefield losses since November. RSF forces broke through SAF positions in El Fasher then.