KHARTOUM, Sudan/ISTANBUL

Sudanese army forces ended a two-year siege imposed by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on Dilling city, the second-largest city in South Kordofan, the military said on Monday.

A military statement said army forces opened the Dilling road “after a successful military operation that resulted in routing and destroying the RSF militia.”

It said army forces inflicted heavy losses in lives and equipment on the RSF militia.

The army vowed “to continue cleansing the country of the RSF militia until security and stability are restored across the country.”

According to witnesses, Sudanese forces managed to enter the besieged city following clashes with the RSF and its ally, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N).

Large crowds of residents came out to welcome army forces as they entered the area, witnesses said.

Sudanese soldiers shared video clips on social media showing celebrations by troops and civilians inside Dilling.

There was no immediate comment from the RSF on the report.

The rebel group has maintained a crippling siege on Dilling since January 2024.

Of Sudan’s 18 states, the RSF controls all five states in the western Darfur region, except for parts of North Darfur that remain under army control. The army holds most areas of the remaining 13 states across the south, north, east and center of the country, including the capital, Khartoum.

The conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF, which began in April 2023, has killed thousands of people and displaced millions.