Sudanese paramilitary advances deepen oilfield losses for army in West Kordofan

The war in Sudan has reached its fourth year, with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) steadily consolidating control over Western Sudan, including vital oil infrastructure in West Kordofan. While the Sudanese army recaptured Khartoum and key central regions last year, the RSF has retaliated with strategic gains in North Darfur and the Blue Nile region. Most notably, the RSF's seizure of the Heglig oilfield in December 2025 dealt a critical blow to Sudan's economy and shifted control of the area to p