The territory has been controlled by the SPLM-N (al-Hilu) since 2017. These territories were previously controlled by the
SPLM-N from 2011 to 2017. On 8 June 2023, the SPLM-N (al-Hilu) began mobilizing around Kadugli, moving into several army camps and prompting the
Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) to reinforce its positions despite a
Rapid Support Forces' (RSF) blockade. This prompted fears of a new front in the conflict despite the group regularly agreeing to annual ceasefire agreements. On 21 June 2023, the SPLM-N (al-Hilu) broke its ceasefire agreement and attacked Sudanese army units in South Kordofan, particularly in Kadugli and in
al-Dalanj, the latter coinciding with an attack by the RSF. The army claimed to have repelled the attacks, while the rebels claimed to have attacked in retaliation for the death of one of their soldiers at the hands of the SAF and vowed to free the region from "military occupation." On 25 June, the group attacked SAF positions in
Kurmuk,
Blue Nile State, near the border with Ethiopia. the SPLM-N (al-Hilu) seized several army garrisons and an oil field in South Kordofan and blocked the road leading from
Karkal to Kadugli. It also launched another attack in Kurmuk. In December 2025, the SPLM–N (al-Hilu) claimed to have retaken the town of Qardoud Nama in South Kordofan from the SAF. The SAF retook the town of
Mabsouta from the SPLM–N (al-Hilu), which had occupied the area since 2011. On the 3 February of 2026 both the RSF and SPLM-N (al-Hilu) seized the towns of
Deim Mansour, Bashir Nuqu and Khor al-Budi near
Kurmuk in Blue Nile state. In the same month, the SPLM-N (Toka), another faction of the SPLM, was revealed to be active in areas held by both the RSF and the SPLM-N (Al-Hilu). == Government ==