In Sudan, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) captured a Khalifa-2 wheeled artillery system from government forces amid escalating violence. The conflict has persisted for 22 months, primarily affecting Khartoum and other regions. The Khalifa-2 was developed domestically and allows for swift combat operations, highlighting the ongoing military struggle in the region.
In Sudan, government forces have lost control of a unique Khalifa-2 wheeled artillery system to local rebels known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This 122 mm artillery piece was captured after fierce fighting, which has intensified in the country since April 2023. A video of the captured artillery was shared on social media, highlighting ongoing hostilities between the Army and RSF across various regions, including the capital, Khartoum.
Since the onset of clashes 22 months ago, violence has spread throughout Sudan, affecting 13 of its 18 states. The Sudanese Army maintains control over the northern and eastern regions, whereas the RSF is dominant in the south and west and retains grip in central Khartoum. The captured Khalifa-2, a product of the Military Industry Corporation, had previously targeted RSF positions during the conflict.
The Khalifa-2 artillery system combines a Soviet D-30 howitzer with a 6×6 Ural-4320 truck chassis. The artillery shows a maximum range of approximately 17 km, depending on the type of projectile used. The design allows for rapid repositioning by lowering a hydraulic rear plate, facilitating quick access to ammunition for its crew.
In late January, Sudanese forces reported a successful breakthrough against an RSF siege on their communications command center in North Khartoum. This city, situated near the confluence of the Blue and White Nile rivers, has been a hotspot for military activity. Reports from late September 2024 indicated that a significant offensive by the Sudanese army was initiated in Khartoum.
The situation escalated when RSF militants shot down an IL-76 aircraft containing Russian citizens. Continuous hostilities have raised concerns about the impact on regional stability as both factions vie for control of critical territories and resources.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has escalated due to power struggles among military factions, particularly between the Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces. The Khalifa-2, a self-propelled artillery system, represents significant military capability, highlighting the arms sources available to the RSF. This particular design reflects Sudan’s industrial military capacities, integrating both local manufacturing and Soviet designs, which play crucial roles in the conflict dynamics across the region. The situation has been characterized by widespread fighting and territorial control disputes, resulting in deteriorating security conditions. As the conflict reaches various states, international concerns about humanitarian crises and instability in East Africa have grown. The capture of military equipment like the Khalifa-2 signals changing power dynamics, with implications for future engagements between these rival factions.
The seizure of the Khalifa-2 artillery system by the Rapid Support Forces underscores the shifting power balance in Sudan’s ongoing conflict. With fighting intensifying and expanding across regions, both the Sudanese Army and RSF continue to engage in a fierce struggle for territorial dominance. The implications of this conflict extend beyond immediate military outcomes, impacting regional stability and potential international relations as crises evolve.
Original Source: mil.in.ua
