The Sudanese military has made advances on central Khartoum, approaching the RSF-controlled Republican Palace. The ongoing conflict with the Rapid Support Forces has led to heavy casualties and significant displacement within the country, with the army’s recent moves marking a crucial point in the battle for control over the capital.
On Thursday, Sudan’s military made significant advances towards central Khartoum, as stated by an army source to AFP. Troops are reportedly closing in on the Republican Palace, which is controlled by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The military has been engaged in conflict with the RSF since April 2023 and has intensified its efforts to reclaim full control of the capital in recent weeks.
The army source, who wished to remain anonymous, reported that armored forces are advancing from multiple directions towards the heart of Khartoum, aiming to drive out the RSF, led by commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. The army announced that it had successfully “cleared out” specific neighborhoods, placing them just three kilometers from the RSF-held Republican Palace.
However, eyewitness accounts describe challenges faced by army troops, including attacks from RSF snipers perched in high-rise buildings in the former business and government district. Additionally, clashes were reported further south around Soba Bridge, a crucial southeastern access point to the capital.
In the past weeks, the army has made notable progress, effectively breaking a nearly two-year siege by the RSF at its headquarters and pushing the paramilitary forces to the outskirts of Khartoum North, also referred to as Bahri. This advance marks a significant victory for the military, matching its success from a year ago when it regained Omdurman across the Nile River, crucial for the greater Khartoum area.
The ongoing conflict has had devastating consequences, leading to tens of thousands of deaths, the displacement of 12 million people, and a looming famine across the nation.
Since the outbreak of hostilities in April 2023, Sudan’s military has been engaged in a brutal conflict with the RSF. The escalation has led to a dire humanitarian situation, with massive civilian casualties and displacement. The struggle for control over Khartoum has intensified as both forces vie for dominance, particularly over critical areas such as the Republican Palace. The military’s recent moves can be seen as a desperate effort to regain authority in the capital and address the significant challenges posed by the RSF’s positions.
The Sudanese military’s recent advances in central Khartoum represent a critical turning point in the ongoing conflict with the RSF. The situation remains precarious, as the army contends with sniper attacks and fierce resistance. The ongoing war continues to have grave implications for the civilian population, highlighting the urgent humanitarian crisis that has unfolded since the conflict began.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
