Sudanese army claims gains in Khartoum, retakes key water station

October 15, 2024 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese army said on Monday it was closing in on several Rapid Support Forces (RSF) targets in the Al-Mugran area of Khartoum, aiming to reach the army’s general command headquarters in the east of the capital within days.

An army spokesperson, televised briefing officials in Omdurman, said the military had shifted to an offensive strategy on most fronts, allowing it to cross bridges from Omdurman into Khartoum and Khartoum North (Bahri) on September 26.

He said the army had launched offensives on three fronts in Khartoum state, with the main thrust north of Bhari.

After crossing the Halfaya bridge, the army said it retook control of areas north of Bahri, linking up with forces from Omdurman.

According to the officer, a military force has made progress in the Al-Muqran area near the capital’s centre after crossing the White Nile Bridges from south of Omdurman. This area houses key government buildings, including the Republican Palace and the federal government headquarters.

The force aims to push further eastward towards the army’s general command headquarters. The RSF has besieged the headquarters since the conflict began in mid-April.

He added that Armored Corps forces operating south of Khartoum had made significant advances. Their objective was to reach the Pioneers Towers and the army’s strategic base near the Al-Muqrin area, which had fallen under the control of the Rapid Support Forces in June 2023.

He said the offensives were launched when the RSF was at its weakest, predicting their imminent collapse.

The army said it had secured the Al-Mugran water station, which the RSF had been using as a sniper position.

The Khartoum State Water Authority confirmed the army had taken control of the station and was working to clear it of unexploded ordnance.

Fighting continues

Local sources told Sudan Tribune on Tuesday that the army continued to bombard RSF positions in Khartoum with warplanes and drones.

They said drones targeted RSF positions around the Sports City and the Armored Corps south of Khartoum while plumes of smoke were seen rising from several neighbourhoods.

Artillery exchanges between the army and RSF were also reported in the capital.

Local sources also reported clashes in the south of Khartoum North.