The Sudan People’s Liberation Army-North (SPLA-N) launched attacks against the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) in Kadugli and the nearby SAF-controlled towns Lahamar, Um Shoran, and Liri on October 23rd.

SPLA-N forces targeted check points and other positions on the periphery of the South Kordofan capital in one of the most direct challenges to the SAF in recent months.

South Kordofan’s largest military bases are located in Kadugli, as well as National Security, Popular Defense, and Abu Tira forces. Several of these are in close proximity to UN bases and civilian populations.

A witness told Nuba Reports that many people were wounded. Al-Sawarmi Khalid Saad, a spokesperson for the SAF, stated that two children were killed and eight civilians were wounded as a result of the mortar fire, but Nuba Reports was unable to confirm these reports. The SPLA-N spokesman, Arnu Ngutulu, accused the Sudan government of using civilians as human shields.

“People were scared and running,” a witness said. “There were lots of soldiers in the streets. Many people wanted to leave Kadugli but then the soldiers stopped people from leaving.” The witness claimed that the SAF prevented people from fleeing Kadugli by blocking roads and taking keys from bus and taxi owners.

The incident is part of a recent upsurge in fighting in South Kordofan. Nuba Reports has documented a total of 88 bombs dropped on civilian targets by Sudan bombers in September and October. There has been a recent spike in shelling of villages and the use of Weishi 302mm rockets. Nuba Reports has not documented direct attacks on the SPLA-N, but spokesperson, Arnu Ngutulu, said bombing has increased on military targets.