DUBAI/CAIRO (Reuters) – The Sudanese army has announced a significant advancement in the 10-month-long war by reclaiming part of Omdurman city from the Rapid Support Forces.
On Friday, the army declared that it successfully linked its two main bases in the city, resulting in celebrations among soldiers and locals.
However, the Rapid Support Forces refuted the army’s claim, stating that it is resorting to propaganda due to being on the verge of defeat.
Since April, the RSF has been engaged in a deadly conflict with the army to gain control of Sudan, leading to the death of thousands, displacement of nearly 8 million people, and concerns about famine.
Following the outbreak of the war, the RSF took control of most of Khartoum, along with Bahri, Omdurman, and the majority of territory in Kordofan and Darfur regions. Meanwhile, the army maintained control of its bases in the capital but had not made significant progress until the beginning of the year, when reports indicated an increased use of drones.
This enhanced capability seemed to have helped the army break through its strongholds around the bases in the north and south of the city, establishing a band of control across the length of the capital.
As of now, the RSF still holds areas in the east of Omdurman as well as the wide Ombada district, with snipers stationed along crucial routes. Despite a two-week internet blackout, images emerged from the city showing civilians and soldiers celebrating.
Residents have reported that the RSF has displaced them, looted their belongings, and committed acts of sexual violence. The U.S. has accused the force of crimes against humanity, war crimes, and ethnic cleansing in West Darfur state. Both the army and RSF deny these allegations, with the RSF asserting that rogue actors will be brought to justice.
The army has conducted widespread air strikes and is also accused of war crimes. In the Fiteihab district, where food supplies have dwindled due to the RSF’s siege of the nearby army engineering corps base, a resident stated that trucks have begun to enter, giving them hope.
(Reporting by Khalid Abdelaziz and Nafisa Eltahir; editing by Giles Elgood)
