Sudan's War: A Fierce Battle for Strategic Control
The devastating civil war in Sudan rages on, marked by intense battles as the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) relentlessly fight for control of the nation's most strategic locations. As of early July 2025, several key areas remain at the heart of this brutal conflict.
Key Battlefronts and Developments
The Tri-Border Area (Sudan-Libya-Egypt) Seized by RSF: In a significant development in mid-June, the RSF captured this crucial border triangle. This area is a vital nexus for trade and smuggling, and its control bolsters the RSF's supply lines, especially from Libya and potentially Chad. The SAF has since dispatched major reinforcements, signaling their strong intent to reclaim the area, a move that has escalated fears in neighboring Egypt about potential cross-border spillover of the conflict.
RSF Advances into Northern State: Following their success at the tri-border, RSF forces have been observed pushing towards Karab Altoum, an oasis near the Owainat mountains, and attempting attacks on villages around Aldaba city on the western bank of the River Nile. These maneuvers underscore the RSF's ambition to control territories in northern Sudan near the Egyptian border and exert influence over critical supply routes. Local authorities in Northern State have urgently called for widespread mobilization of the SAF to defend the region.
El Fasher Remains Under Siege: The city of El Fasher in North Darfur continues to be a major flashpoint. The RSF has maintained a relentless siege on the North Darfur capital for over a year. Intense fighting rages in and around the city, severely impacting civilian populations and displacement camps like Zamzam. Control of El Fasher is paramount as it represents one of the SAF's last remaining strongholds in the Darfur region, which is largely dominated by the RSF.
Continued Fighting in the Capital Region: While the SAF reportedly regained significant ground in Khartoum, including recapturing the capital in March 2025 and lifting the siege on its general command headquarters, fierce fighting persists in Omdurman, part of the broader capital region. Both sides face accusations of using explosive weapons in densely populated areas, leading to tragic civilian casualties. The battle for Khartoum was a prolonged and devastating urban conflict, resulting in immense loss of life and widespread displacement.
Wad Madani's Strategic Importance: This city, a strategic hub south of Khartoum and at the crossroads of vital supply routes, was initially seized by the RSF in late 2023 but was reportedly recaptured by the SAF in January 2025. Its control is crucial for disrupting RSF supply lines and for the SAF to launch future offensive operations.
Other Contested Areas and RSF Drone Strikes: Reports indicate ongoing back-and-forth struggles in areas such as Wadi Alatroon (Alatroon Valley) and al-Malha in North Darfur. Additionally, the RSF continues to launch drone attacks targeting SAF infrastructure in northern Sudan, including the Merowe Dam, a significant source of Sudan's electricity.
Overall Dynamics of the Conflict
The conflict remains highly unpredictable. While the SAF has achieved some strategic gains in central and eastern Sudan, including Khartoum and Wad Madani, the RSF has demonstrated evolving capabilities, particularly with drone strikes, and has expanded its territorial control in the west and now the far northwest, near the Libyan and Egyptian borders. The RSF's stated ambition to announce a parallel government in Darfur highlights its push to consolidate control over western Sudan and its vital border access to multiple neighboring countries.
These ongoing battles are not merely about territorial control. They also aim to disrupt enemy supply lines, gain economic leverage—especially over gold-rich areas and lucrative trade routes—and ultimately secure a dominant position in any potential future political settlement. The humanitarian consequences of these sustained conflicts are dire, marked by widespread displacement, severe food insecurity, and targeted attacks on civilian populations.
