Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) claimed to have taken full control of Geissan in the Blue Nile region near the Ethiopian border, as the army disputed the claim and said fighting was still underway.
The Sudanese army said it retained control of a key military base in the area, contradicting the RSF’s assertion that it had seized the town.
The fighting has displaced about 2,500 people, according to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), with some civilians crossing into neighbouring Ethiopia.
The offensive reportedly took place during the harvest season, with the RSF accused of looting crops and the central market in Geissan.
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The town’s strategic location could give the RSF greater influence over supply routes and access to areas near the Roseires Dam.
Sudan’s government has also accused Ethiopia of facilitating military support from the United Arab Emirates to the RSF. Addis Ababa has denied the allegations.
Analysts say the offensive could be aimed at stretching the army’s forces as they make gains elsewhere in the country.
