Sudanese army repels fresh RSF attack on North Kordofan capital
October 9, 2023 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese military successfully thwarted a second consecutive attempt by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to take control of El-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan State, resulting in at least 16 casualties.
The clashes erupted on Monday morning as a large number of the RSF troops launched an assault on the city from multiple directions: west, north, and south. Fierce confrontations unfolded in several neighbourhoods, including Al-Arba’, Al-Saliheen, Fallata, Al-Yarmouk, Al-Shuhada, and Al-Thawra, with both sides deploying various types of weaponry.
By Monday evening, the Sudanese army’s spokesperson announced the repulsion of a “failed attempt by the dissolved rebel militia” to infiltrate some of El-Obeid neighbourhoods. He added that Sudanese forces engaged the RSF outside the city, compelling their retreat after incurring significant personnel and equipment losses.
According to eyewitnesses interviewed by Sudan Tribune, artillery fire from both sides severely damaged western El-Obeid neighbourhoods. Residents, particularly in the western part of the city, reported incidents of looting and robbery by groups aligning themselves with the RSF.
Abdel Rahim Haroun, head of emergency and casualty management at Al-Obeid Teaching Hospital, reported an initial death toll of at least three fatalities and 13 injuries from the clashes. He noted that additional casualties remained unaccounted for due to ongoing fighting and artillery bombardment.
The RSF’s protracted siege on El-Obeid, in effect since the outbreak of the conflict, has led to complex humanitarian and economic challenges. Paramilitary forces have restricted access to food and medicines, hospitals are grappling with critical shortages of medical supplies, and market prices have surged.
The RSF’s interest in controlling El-Obeid stems from its strategic significance as a link between the Darfur and Kordofan regions and the capital, Khartoum. Other reports suggest that Hemetti’s forces aim to extend their control further south, reaching as far as the White Nile region.
(ST)