Adel Abdel Rahim / Anadolu

Sudanese military sources said Wednesday that the army managed to enter Kurmuk city in Blue Nile state, bordering Ethiopia, after battles with the Rapid Support Forces and the allied People's Movement.

In statements to Anadolu, the sources, who preferred not to be identified, explained that the army and its supporting forces regained control of the city, which had been under the control of the Rapid Support Forces and the People's Movement for more than three months.

The sources added that the Sudanese army's entry into the city came after carrying out military operations against positions of the Rapid Support Forces and the People's Movement.

There was no immediate comment from the Rapid Support Forces or the People's Movement regarding the Sudanese army's entry into the city.

These developments come after the army recently made progress in Blue Nile state, regaining control of several areas bordering Ethiopia and South Sudan.

Kurmuk is one of the largest cities in Blue Nile state along with its capital Ed Damazin, and holds strategic importance due to its control over supply lines and military communications, and its connection to a road network extending towards Ethiopia and South Sudan.

The Rapid Support Forces and the People's Movement had taken control of Kurmuk on March 24 last year.

The Sudanese army controls large parts of Blue Nile state, while the People's Movement has been fighting the government since 2011, demanding self-rule for the South Kordofan and Blue Nile regions.

Since April 2023, the Rapid Support Forces have been clashing with the army over disputes regarding its integration into the military institution, leading to the deaths of tens of thousands of Sudanese, the displacement of 13 million people, and the worsening of a humanitarian crisis and famine considered among the worst globally.