Sudanese army claims gains in Khartoum after major offensive
September 26, 2024 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese army said it made significant advances in the capital, Khartoum and its twin city, Omdurman, on Thursday after a major ground offensive, part of a wider push to regain control of the two cities after months of conflict with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Military sources told Sudan Tribune that army infantry formations crossed bridges over the Nile River from Omdurman into Khartoum and Khartoum Bahri in the early hours of Thursday, backed by air strikes and artillery fire.
The sources said the army had secured new positions in both cities, including strategic entrances and areas in Khartoum Bahri.
The army also reported progress on the Fitihab and Medical Corps bridge axes linking Omdurman and Khartoum, although the RSF remained entrenched in some areas, including the Zain Tower in central Khartoum.
Despite the army’s control of new positions in Khartoum and Khartoum Bahri cities, the RSF denied the army had made any gains and said it had repelled attempts to cross the bridges.
RSF fighters posted videos online purporting to show their presence in central Khartoum.
The army said further operations were planned in the coming days after crossing the bridges and opening the door for further operation.
It was not possible to independently verify the claims of either side.
Thursday’s attacks mark the first significant military operations in Khartoum since the conflict between the army and the RSF began in April 2023, triggering a humanitarian crisis and displacing millions.
(ST)