By Matik Kueth
Sudan’s Blue Nile region came under a large-scale attack on Sunday as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) reportedly launched operations from South Sudanese territory.
The strikes hit Al-Sillik, Milkan, and other areas in Bau County, prompting fierce resistance from the army’s 4th Infantry Division.
A senior Sudanese official accused South Sudan of allowing its land to be used for training and supplying the attacking forces.
The government of South Sudan has not yet responded to the allegations.
The attack has caused significant civilian displacement, with thousands fleeing to safer zones within Bau.
Tensions have been mounting in south-eastern Sudan, where RSF and SPLM-N, led by Abdel Aziz al-Hilu, have mobilized along borders shared with South Sudan and Ethiopia.
Sudan has also pointed fingers at the United Arab Emirates, accusing it of establishing military bases near the borders to support RSF operations and open a new front in Blue Nile.
Bau County, bordering South Sudan between Ed Damazin and Kurmuk, is home to the Ingessana, Berta, and Hamaj communities.
Earlier in April, Sudanese forces recaptured Milkan and Al-Sillik after RSF occupation, following a wider defeat in neighboring Sennar State.
The ongoing conflict in western Blue Nile has already displaced around 100,000 people toward Ed Damazin, according to local authorities.