A wide-scale offensive launched by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and their allies across multiple fronts in Sudan this week aims to regain lost ground and hinder the army’s western advance. The RSF has reportedly seized control of Qaysan and regained Kermak in Blue Nile state, while the army repelled an RSF attack on Jabra Sheikh in North Kordofan. Fighting has also extended to villages surrounding areas held by the Popular Movement and Athoro groups. A significant development includes the defection of the governor of Kordofan to the RSF’s government. Diplomatic efforts are underway, with visits to Juba focused on de-escalating border tensions and addressing the contested Abyei region, as the Sudanese army remains on high alert due to intensified drone attacks. These coordinated attacks signal a major escalation in the ongoing conflict.