For over a month and a half, forces have penetrated several towns in the region, paving the way for progress toward Al-Karmak. For over three decades, the Al-Karmak area has remained a major military focus, witnessing fierce battles during the war between the Sudanese Army and the SPLM-North led by the late John Garang in the 1990s.
The strategic importance of the area lies in its role as a direct security belt for vital centers, foremost among them the Rosieres reservoir, which plays a critical role in the electricity and water systems. Additionally, the region holds significant military weight as it serves as a link between Sudan and the two countries of Ethiopia and South Sudan.
Since the outbreak of the war between the Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces in mid-April 2023, the Blue Nile region has remained a major point of interest for both conflicting parties due to its strategic and economic value. The region is considered a vital logistical link, and control over it directly affects several surrounding cities and regions, particularly the city of Dammazin.
The area is also one of Sudan’s richest, hosting vast agricultural and production projects. It is home to the largest forest area in the country, covering more than 60 percent of the nation’s forests. According to political researcher Ammar Najm al-Din, controlling this area implies control over the connection lines between the Blue Nile region and Sennar state.
