Sudan's civil war has escalated dramatically in the south-central Kordofan region, now the epicentre of fighting, with near-daily drone strikes causing widespread civilian suffering. This strategic area, rich in gold and oil, has become a critical new front line as the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) consolidate gains.
The conflict, which began in April 2023, has seen a significant shift towards Kordofan after the army recaptured Khartoum. The region serves as a vital link between the RSF-controlled Darfur and the army-held capital. Both sides are accused of deadly strikes targeting civilian infrastructure, including markets, health facilities, and residential areas, drawing condemnation from the UN.
Both the Sudanese military and the RSF are employing drones, with reports suggesting the RSF uses Chinese CH-95 drones supplied by the UAE, while the Sudanese army utilizes Turkish Baykar drones. Recent advances by the SAF appear to be aided by disruptions to RSF supply lines, reportedly targeted by Turkish drones. The conflict's expansion into other regions, like Blue Nile State, threatens to ignite a wider regional war.