Sudanese army strikes RSF positions near Umm Sumeima
A Sudanese army airstrike targeting Rapid Support Forces (RSF) movements in the Kordofan region has reportedly killed Bashar Sharaf al-Din al-Nahli, a prominent figure in the paramilitary group's media operations.
According to military sources cited by Sudan Tribune, the attack took place on Friday, October 16, 2026, near Umm Sumeima, west of El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan.
The strike targeted RSF movements in an area close to the boundary between North and West Kordofan states.
Sudan Now reported that Mohammed Deidan, spokesperson for the Special Operations Forces in the West Kordofan sector, announced al-Nahli's death following a Sudanese military drone strike.
Local sources said members of al-Nahli's security detail were also killed. The total number of casualties has not been independently confirmed.
RSF media official acknowledges al-Nahli's death
Lieutenant Colonel al-Tayeb Khalil, an official in the RSF's media department, reportedly issued a tribute following al-Nahli's death.
Khalil described him as one of the group's prominent media personnel.
Al-Nahli had become known for producing and circulating footage of RSF operations across several conflict areas.
His death was reported as Sudanese military operations continued against RSF forces in Kordofan.
Role during the siege of El Fasher
Al-Nahli was involved in RSF media activities during the prolonged siege and fighting in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur.
Working alongside Yasin Ahmed, head of the group's media department in the state, he helped produce and distribute videos and daily reports covering RSF military activities.
The media coverage continued until the RSF captured El Fasher in October 2025.
Sudanese news outlets also reported allegations concerning videos in which al-Nahli appeared to encourage violence against city residents and mistreat or taunt prisoners during the fighting.
The full context and authenticity of those recordings have not been independently established.
Recent deployment to the Kordofan front
Following the fighting in El Fasher, al-Nahli reportedly moved to Kordofan with other RSF media personnel.
The deployment came amid changes in control of strategic locations and important supply routes.
During his activities in Kordofan, al-Nahli reportedly threatened advances into North Kordofan and stated that RSF forces would prevent the Sudanese army and its allies from moving towards Darfur.
He was also reported to have attended events organised by the Tasis Alliance in En Nahud, West Kordofan.
Military operations continue across Kordofan
Umm Sumeima lies west of El Obeid on a route of military importance between North Kordofan, West Kordofan and Darfur.
The surrounding area has witnessed repeated military activity involving the Sudanese army and the RSF.
Separate reports earlier in the week described Sudanese airstrikes against RSF positions around Umm Sumeima and Abu Haraz.
Al-Nahli's reported death adds to developments on the Kordofan front, where control of military positions and supply routes remains contested.
Although military sources attribute his death to a Sudanese army airstrike, independently verified details of the operation and any additional casualties remain limited.