RSF Heglig Control: How Did They Seize Sudan’s Most Strategic Oil Field Without a Fight?

RSF Heglig control shocked Sudan and the world when Rapid Support Forces rolled into the country’s biggest oil field in early December 2025 and took it without firing a single bullet. Located in South Kordofan right on the border with South Sudan, Heglig pumps lifeblood money for both countries. RSF Takes Over Heglig changed the war overnight, leaving the Sudanese army stunned and the future of Sudan’s oil hanging in the balance.

The 6 Clever Moves Behind RSF Heglig Control

1. Lightning push after Babanusa victory Just days earlier RSF crushed SAF’s 22nd Infantry Division in Babanusa. That win cut supply lines and left the 90th Brigade guarding Heglig isolated. RSF didn’t stop to celebrate; they drove straight south and surrounded the field. RSF Heglig control started with speed nobody expected.
2. Local alliances that opened every gate Messiria clan leaders and even South Sudan army units didn’t resist. RSF promised protection from SAF “extremists” and shared the oil benefits. Civilians and guards stood aside. RSF Takes Over Heglig was sealed with handshakes instead of gunfire.
3. SAF chose to save the rigs instead of dying for them The army’s 90th Brigade pulled out Sunday night in trucks and on foot, crossing into South Sudan to avoid destruction of the facilities. No sabotage, no last stand. RSF Heglig control happened because SAF decided the field was worth more intact than burned.
4. Engineers ready to restart the pumps day one RSF brought their own oil technicians. They secured the Greater Nile pipeline, fixed small damage, and posted guards. Youssef Alian announced strict checkpoints and bans on unauthorized entry. RSF Heglig control isn’t just flags; it’s real control of the machines.
5. Quick talks with South Sudan to keep oil flowing Juba panicked at first – Heglig processes almost all their oil too. RSF called fast, promised no disruptions, and let South Sudanese engineers stay. Brief border chases ended peacefully. RSF Heglig control stayed calm because nobody wanted a second front.
6. Propaganda win that lifted morale sky-high RSF called it “liberation from Port Sudan clique,” posted videos of fighters dancing on the rigs, and tied it to Darfur victories. Locals in West Kordofan cheered. RSF Heglig control became a story of winning, not just taking.

SAF’s Bitter Pill: Retreat or Total Collapse?

The army confirmed the withdrawal fast, calling it “tactical” to “protect national assets.” Translation: they had no ammo, no backup, and no chance. Losing Heglig cuts their oil cash hard – pre-war it gave 64,000 barrels a day for Sudan. Now RSF can tax every drop. SAF pulled hundreds of soldiers and workers to Juba and Renk, leaving the field clean for RSF Takes Over Heglig.

What This Means for the Whole War

RSF now holds a money printer. They can restart production, sell oil, fund more guns. UAE, their main backer, loves it. South Sudan breathes easier because RSF promised smooth flow. SAF lost their last big foothold in Kordofan and a huge chunk of revenue. RSF Takes Over Heglig flips the battlefield map and the bank account war.

Voices from the Ground

A Messiria herder near the field said, “SAF taxed us to death. RSF says no more. We’ll see.” An oil worker who fled told reporters, “We left so the rigs don’t burn. Now RSF runs them.” RSF Takes Over Heglig feels like victory to some, occupation to others.

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Six smart moves, one new reality: RSF Heglig control didn’t just take an oil field. It took the war to a whole new level.

Sudan’s future just got a lot more complicated, and a lot more expensive.