Sudanese army advances in Al-Jazirah, RSF vows response

April 7, 2024 (WAD MADANI) – The eastern region of Al-Jazira State witnessed confrontations between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on Sunday, while the Sudanese Air Force launched raids on paramilitary force positions in three areas: south, west, and east of the central Sudan state.

An army source reported progress on the eastern front bordering Gedaref State. On Sunday, their forces captured the town of Al-Qalaa Al-Bayda in Um Al-Qura locality, about 30 kilometres east of the state capital Wad Madani.

Last Thursday, army forces advanced from Al-Khayari, separating the Gedaref and Al-Jazirah states, and taking control of Um Faksha and Hafira areas deep within the state.

The source indicated violent clashes near Shabarqa, about 30 kilometres from Wad Madani.

However, the RSF broadcast video clips of alleged confrontations near Al-Faw in Gedaref State, claiming heavy losses inflicted on the army and allied forces. They also released pictures of prisoners, casualties, and a captured tank from the army troops.

RSF commander in Al-Jazirah State, Major General Abu Aqla Kikal, denied any army progress and vowed to capture a new area before Eid al-Fitr, within two days.

For their part, the Wad Madani Resistance Committees reported that Sunday’s clashes resulted in the deaths of two civilians in Sharif Yaqoub village due to flying shrapnel. They urged the area residents to stay away from conflict zones and avoid going outside their homes to watch the fighting.

The RSF paramilitary forces seized control of large parts of Al-Jazirah State last December, extending to the outskirts of Sinnar State in the south. However, they failed to control Al-Manaqil and Al-Qurashi localities in the west.

Also, military sources affiliated with the Sudanese army reported air strikes launched early Sunday morning against RSF positions in Al-Jazirah State.

The air attacks targeted RSF forces in several areas in southern Al-Jazirah. Also, the Sudanese air force targeted Arab city, west of Wad Madani, and Al-Shabarqa, east of the the state capital.

The army appears to be besieging RSF in Al-Jazira from three axes: east (Gedaref), south (Sennar), and west (Al-Manaqil).

Regarding the western axis of Al-Manaqil, the same military sources confirmed the army’s capture of Medina Arab town, about 15 kilometres west of Wad Madani, after the RSF withdrew from the area following limited clashes.

The fighting is expected to intensify in the coming days.

(ST)