RSF seizes key Heglig oilfield as it pushes to expand control in Sudan

"The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) says it has seized control of the strategic Heglig oilfield in Sudan's South Kordofan province. The claim early on Monday was supported later by a statement issued by the military government's Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) saying it had withdrawn from the area. The takeover comes as the RSF, embroiled in a two-and-a-half-year conflict with the SAF, pushes to expand eastwards and southwards from the western Darfur region, over which it took full control last month."

"Youssef Alian, the head of the RSF-affiliated civil administration in the where the oilfield is situated, asserted in a statement that the takeover happened under his coordination. He said that he had helped prepare a special, qualified and trained force to secure the Heglig field and protect oil installations from any acts of sabotage or threats that may affect their safety. The Heglig field is the Sudan's largest, and also the main processing facility for neighbouring South Sudan's oil exports."

The RSF seized Heglig oilfield in South Kordofan and the SAF subsequently withdrew from the area. Heglig is Sudan's largest oil field and serves as the main processing facility for South Sudan's oil exports. RSF leadership claims coordination of the takeover and says a specially prepared force will secure the field and protect installations from sabotage or threats. The RSF has been mobilising troops to take more areas in southern and central Sudan, making inroads from Darfur and contesting towns such as Babnusa. The RSF push offers potential routes toward Khartoum and access to agricultural, gold and oil resources, amid fierce recent fighting.

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