Sudan's civil war saw a sharp escalation as the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) launched intense drone strikes against Rapid Support Forces (RSF) positions in Kordofan and Darfur regions during early January 2026. The operations peaked on January 26 with devastating attacks on Nyala Airport and nearby RSF strongholds in Al-Debeibat, obliterating 240 enemy vehicles and killing hundreds of fighters.
SAF forces swiftly regained control of these strategic areas, marking a significant pushback against RSF advances that have prolonged the conflict beyond 1,000 days. This renewed offensive underscores SAF's air superiority, contrasting with RSF's ground-based sieges elsewhere. Civilian impacts remain severe, compounding displacement and famine risks in Darfur, though exact recent casualties are unconfirmed amid restricted access.
External actors like the UAE face accusations of fueling RSF, while US-Saudi truce proposals linger unresolved. The strikes signal SAF's determination to reclaim lost territories, potentially shifting frontlines as humanitarian needs hit 30 million affected nationwide.
