The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) are making significant gains against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Khartoum, indicating a potential turning point in the conflict. After breaking a months-long siege, the SAF captured key locations indicating that RSF control may be collapsing. The conflict has led to severe humanitarian consequences for millions of Sudanese, exacerbated by cuts to essential aid funding.
The conflict in Khartoum, Sudan is reaching a critical juncture as the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) make significant territorial gains against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Recent reports indicate that the SAF captured the village of Al-Aylafun and a military camp located approximately 30 kilometers east of the capital, highlighting the momentum shifting in favor of the SAF.
Following a siege that left SAF troops isolated at an Armored Corps base in southwestern Khartoum, a breakthrough on January 24 has facilitated rapid advancements against the RSF, which are now reportedly retreating under pressure. This strategic shift signals a potential withdrawal of RSF forces from the capital, potentially marking a turning point in the ongoing conflict.
The RSF’s recent retreats, particularly from neighborhoods in Omdurman since early December, illustrate the weakening of their position. Concurrently, the SAF has reclaimed territory in the state of Al Jazirah, underscoring their efforts to regain control. The death of a prominent RSF commander in an airstrike further underscores the ongoing escalations in military engagements over the last week.
Control over Khartoum remains pivotal for the SAF, as the RSF has held sway over most of the capital since the onset of conflict in April 2023. The RSF expanded their control significantly after seizing key locations, including the international airport and military bases, intensifying the nationwide impact of the strife that has affected 14 states.
The RSF’s history as a militia and its transformation into a recognized military force make the organization a significant actor in Sudan’s turmoil. Both the SAF and RSF have faced global scrutiny for war crimes, with international bodies categorizing the RSF’s actions in Darfur as genocide and instituting sanctions against their leaders.
The conflict has precipitated catastrophic humanitarian conditions, with millions displaced and severe food insecurity affecting those remaining in Sudan. Recent funding cuts to USAID threaten further deteriorations in social conditions, as the agency has played a key role in providing essential aid amidst war-related crises.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, began in April 2023, involving fierce battles between the RSF and SAF. The RSF gained traction by seizing key strategic locations early in the conflict, leading to widespread turmoil across the nation. The RSF, which received formal military designation in 2015, played a crucial role in ousting former President Omar al-Bashir but has since been embroiled in violent clashes with Sudan’s established military framework. International responses to the crisis have evolved, especially regarding allegations of war crimes against both factions, impacting humanitarian efforts significantly.
The battle for Khartoum represents a critical moment in Sudan’s ongoing conflict, with the SAF’s recent gains suggesting a possible shift in the power dynamic against the RSF. As the humanitarian crisis worsens, international and domestic pressures mount on both military factions. Observing the potential ramifications of military control and funding cuts is vital for understanding the future landscape of Sudan’s civil strife.
Original Source: www.al-monitor.com
