Sudanese Military Breaks Yearlong RSF Siege on Obeid

Sudan's military has successfully lifted a year-long siege on the crucial city of Obeid, improving access to a strategic area in the south-central region and enhancing supply routes amid ongoing conflict with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The military also expelled the RSF from its last stronghold in the White Nile province, marking a significant setback for the paramilitary group. This conflict, which erupted in April 2023, has resulted in widespread devastation, particularly in urban areas, with reports of atrocities including mass rape and ethnic killings classified as war crimes. The city of Obeid, which serves as the capital of North Kordofan province and a vital transportation hub, was crucial for military operations. Finance Minister Jibril Ibrahim praised the military's advances as a major step towards delivering humanitarian aid to affected regions. These recent victories continue a trend of setbacks for the RSF since military offensives began in September 2023.