SAF Recaptures Kurmuk, Blue Nile State, Ending 3-Month RSF/SPLM-N Hold

SAF forces recaptured Kurmuk, Blue Nile State, on July 8, 2026, ending more than three months of control by the RSF and its SPLM-N (al-Hilu) 'Tasis coalition' allies, who had seized the town on March 24, 2026. SAF conducted a two-axis dawn assault after artillery and airstrike preparation; RSF and SPLM-N forces withdrew, abandoning vehicles and weapons. No casualty figures were released. The recapture followed weeks of SAF gains in Blue Nile (Al-Bar on June 23, Magaja and Sarkam on June 29) building toward the Kurmuk offensive, and was followed by a further SAF claim of capturing Fashfoun on July 14.