Did the Sudanese Army Successfully Enter Dilling After Over Two Years of Siege?
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Khartoum, Jan 27 (NationPress) The Sudanese army announced that its forces successfully entered the southern city of Dilling after dismantling a siege that had lasted more than two years, orchestrated by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) along with their allies from the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North.
In a succinct statement released on Monday, the army confirmed that its troops, in collaboration with allied forces, managed to reopen the primary access route to the city following a successful military operation that expelled the besieging troops, obliterated their vehicles, and facilitated the movement of civilians and vital supplies.
An eyewitness recounted to Xinhua that army units made their way into Dilling after engaging in clashes around the city's outskirts, noting that residents later emerged to greet the incoming troops.
Meanwhile, circulating videos on social media displayed scenes of jubilation involving government forces and local inhabitants.
There was no immediate response from the RSF, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Dilling had endured a siege since the early stages of the conflict that erupted over two years ago, leading to a dire humanitarian crisis as fundamental supply routes were severed.
On the same day, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the army chief and leader of Sudan's ruling council, reiterated the military's commitment to quelling the 'rebellion' and ensuring it does not resurface.
Since mid-April 2023, clashes between the Sudanese army and the RSF have resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands and displaced millions within and beyond Sudan's borders.
After capturing the army's last stronghold in western Darfur last October, the RSF has redirected its attention eastward, supported by local allies such as the Sudan People's Liberation Movement, North faction led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu.
Since then, the paramilitary group has tightened its control over West Kordofan, seized Heglig—the site of Sudan's largest oil field—and intensified its siege on Kadugli.
A UN-backed assessment conducted last year had already confirmed famine conditions in Kadugli, which has been under RSF siege for more than a year and a half.
The assessment indicated that conditions in Dilling were likely similar, but security concerns and a lack of access have hindered a formal declaration.