Sudan’s ongoing conflict has intensified as the Sudanese army launched a series of air strikes on Nyala, the administrative stronghold of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in South Darfur. According to RSF officials, the strikes targeted strategic locations across the city, including a fuel market, military positions, the international airport, and RSF training facilities.

The attacks mark the continuation of an escalating aerial campaign that has struck Nyala for three consecutive days, causing widespread destruction and civilian casualties. Footage circulating on social media shows massive explosions at the fuel market, with thick black smoke rising over the city following the detonation of fuel barrels.

Civilian Impact and RSF Response

Youssef Idris Youssef, head of the RSF’s civil administration in South Darfur, condemned the strikes, accusing the army of deliberately targeting civilians. He described the attacks as part of a “systematic policy” aimed at punishing residents who do not resist RSF presence. While the RSF claims civilians were caught in the crossfire, the Sudanese military has yet to issue an official statement regarding the air strikes.

Reports indicate casualties among both civilians and RSF-affiliated individuals involved in the fuel trade. In response, RSF intelligence services carried out mass arrests near Nyala’s main market, detaining both civilians and military personnel suspected of providing coordinates to the army.

Strategic Importance of Nyala

Nyala holds significant strategic value as the seat of the RSF’s parallel administration, the Transitional Administration of South Darfur (TASIS). Declared in July and led by RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo, this alternative government has been widely criticized for potentially fracturing Sudan. Despite international condemnation, the RSF continues to control vast territories across Darfur.

The city has been a repeated target of military strikes. In October, the Sudanese army bombed Nyala and its airport, which has reportedly been used by RSF forces as a logistics hub. Analysts warn that continued attacks in Nyala could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in South Darfur.

Fighting Across Darfur and North Darfur Advances

The Darfur region has witnessed relentless conflict since RSF captured el-Fasher in October 2025. Human rights organizations have documented multiple atrocities during this offensive, with the United States labeling RSF actions as genocidal.

Recently, the RSF announced the capture of the Abu Qumra region in North Darfur and claimed advances toward Um Buru. However, Sudanese army-aligned joint forces disputed RSF claims, particularly regarding the town of Karnoi. The conflict has now extended to Central Kordofan, dividing Sudan between RSF-controlled and army-controlled territories.

Peace Efforts and International Reactions

The air strike on Nyala came shortly after Sudan’s Prime Minister, Kamil Idris, presented a peace proposal to the United Nations Security Council. The plan called for RSF withdrawal from captured areas, disarmament of forces in camps, and preparation for nationwide elections.

The RSF rejected the proposal, with spokesman Alaa el-Din Naqd labeling it “wishful thinking.” Meanwhile, Sudan’s de facto leader, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, traveled to Ankara for talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who expressed support for peace efforts and opposition to the potential division of Sudan.

Despite these diplomatic efforts, senior officials within Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council have declared that negotiations or truces with the RSF are impossible, underscoring the intractable nature of the conflict.

Humanitarian Crisis

Since the outbreak of the war in April 2023, the Sudan conflict has killed more than 100,000 people and displaced nearly 14 million, according to the United Nations. Camps for internally displaced persons, including those in Nyala, continue to struggle with overcrowding, shortages of basic necessities, and insecurity.

The escalation in Nyala highlights the growing humanitarian and political crisis in Darfur, as both the RSF and the Sudanese army continue to vie for control over key strategic locations. As the conflict rages, international observers warn that the situation could further destabilize Sudan and prolong the suffering of millions.