RSF and Sudanese army clash over air base

November 12, 2023 (KHARTOUM) – The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese army clashed over control of an air base in Jebel Aulia, located about 45 kilometres south of Khartoum.

The RSF claimed to have captured the Al-Nujoumi Air Base, but the Sudanese army denied this, saying that the attack was repelled.

The RSF released video clips showing its fighters inside a military site containing tanks and helicopters belonging to the Sudanese army, claiming they were in control of the Al-Nujoumi Air Base in Jebel Aulia.

In response, the Sudanese army immediately released a statement saying its forces had repulsed an attack by the RSF on its base in Jebel Aulia. Army spokesman Brigadier General Nabil Abdallah later elaborated in an audio statement, saying that the RSF attack was defeated and that the enemy retreated with heavy losses.

The army on Sunday evening released videos showing its troops in control of the military site.

The paramilitary forces are expected to intensify their attacks on the military base to control the Jebel Aulia Reservoir, including a small bridge linking Omdurman to southern Khartoum.

The destruction of the Shambat Bridge, which connects the cities of Omdurman and Khartoum Bahri, has deprived the RSF of supplies they receive from western Sudan via Omdurman.

The clash between the RSF and the Sudanese army is the latest escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two groups for seven months.

(ST)