# RSF and SPLM-N Alliance Claims Territorial Gains in Blue Nile The 'Tasees' coalition reports capturing Maqja town amid ongoing drone strikes in Sudan. - **Source:** [Asharq Al-Awsat](https://aawsat.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-07 - **Topic:** [world](https://brifing.si/c/world) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/14456461-71ad-40d6-b9a8-e8c9857a9555 ## Coalition Claims Maqja Control The 'Tasees' coalition, comprising the Rapid Support Forces and the SPLM-N, announced the capture of Maqja town in the Blue Nile region. This development follows recent clashes in the areas of Sali, Kili, and Bakori. While independent confirmation remains unavailable, regional government officials acknowledged significant shifts in military deployment and territorial control. ## Strategic Importance of Maqja Maqja is located within the Bau locality, serving as a critical junction in the southwestern sector of the Blue Nile region. It connects local routes to the strategic hubs of Kurmuk, Damazin, and the Inqessana Mountains. The town is situated approximately 90 kilometers from Damazin, the state capital and military headquarters. ## Previous Clashes and Resistance The area has experienced repeated military confrontations throughout the year. On September 20, local officials reported that the Sudanese Armed Forces successfully repelled an initial attack on Maqja and Mada. However, the recent coalition advance suggests a change in the tactical landscape, despite pro-army platforms claiming the military withdrew months ago. ## Sali and Bakori Fronts The coalition previously seized the strategic Sali area in Kurmuk province following intense fighting in late October and early November. Although the Fourth Infantry Division claimed to have repelled attacks on Sali and Bakori, satellite imagery analyzed by Yale University researchers indicates extensive destruction of the army's military site in Sali. ## Damazin Under Drone Attack Damazin has faced multiple drone strikes over the past week, causing significant damage to both civilian and military infrastructure. Satellite analysis identified impacts at six civilian sites, including areas near the Al-Zohour and Al-Sab'een markets. Military facilities, including the 44th Artillery Camp and the Fourth Infantry Division headquarters, also sustained damage. ## Aerial Warfare Escalation Both the Sudanese Army and the RSF reported downing enemy drones in separate incidents across West Kordofan and the Blue Nile. The army claimed to have intercepted an FH-95 drone, while the RSF alleged it shot down a Bayraktar Akinci drone. Neither side provided verifiable evidence to confirm the specific origins of these aircraft. ## Government Response and Stability The Blue Nile government issued a statement urging citizens to rely only on official sources regarding territorial losses. While officials admitted to security developments and tactical shifts, they did not explicitly deny the coalition's entry into Maqja. The government emphasized its ongoing coordination with security forces to protect civilians and maintain services. ## The Tasees Coalition Dynamics The 'Tasees' alliance represents a significant expansion of military cooperation between the RSF and the SPLM-N, led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu. This partnership has facilitated joint operations against army positions in the Kurmuk, Qaysan, and Bau localities. The coalition also incorporates local paramilitary groups, such as the 'Al-Bishi' forces, to bolster their regional presence. ## Humanitarian and Infrastructure Impact The ongoing conflict has severely disrupted daily life in Damazin, with reports of power outages occurring during drone attacks as a precautionary measure. Local sources confirm civilian casualties resulting from the strikes. The broader region continues to face extreme difficulties in accessing basic necessities, including bread, due to rising costs and fuel shortages. ## Historical Context of Conflict The Blue Nile region has long been a theater of conflict due to its proximity to the Ethiopian and South Sudanese borders. The SPLM-N has maintained historical strongholds in the southern parts of the state for years. These recent escalations represent a intensification of the broader civil war currently destabilizing the Sudanese nation. ## Military Logistics and Geography Bakori, located 70 kilometers southeast of Damazin, remains a strategic focal point due to its position on the route from Qaysan. It houses a military site for the 13th Infantry Brigade. The repeated battles for these specific locations highlight the coalition's focus on isolating Damazin by controlling key regional access roads. ## Broader Regional Implications The situation in the Blue Nile reflects the complex, multi-front nature of the Sudanese conflict. With the government struggling to maintain control over peripheral states, the alliance between the RSF and rebel factions poses a persistent threat to state stability. Future developments will likely depend on the military's ability to defend its remaining urban strongholds. ## Sources covering this story - https://aawsat.com/node/5338642 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._