Sudan army claims gains in Khartoum North

November 8, 2024 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese army said it seized key areas in north Khartoum Bahri on Friday after heavy clashes with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), while the latter claimed it launched drone strikes against army positions.

The fighting focused on the Samrab district, where the army said it regained control of “13” and “Al-Listik” stations. According to military sources, these gains consolidate the army’s hold on the Drushab district.

The army’s advance in Samrab, which borders the strategically important Halfaya district, aims to secure positions captured in a late September offensive. In that operation, the army crossed the Halfaya bridge and seized control of Halfaya, Drushab, and Al-Aziraq in northern Khartoum Bahri.

The RSF acknowledged the fighting in Samrab, stating it conducted drone strikes against newly established army positions. Both sides reported casualties.

Artillery exchanges were also reported, with the army shelling RSF positions in Khartoum Bahri from its base in Omdurman, across the Nile River. Residents in Omdurman reported hearing explosions.

Sources described the fighting as intense, involving artillery, anti-tank missiles, rocket launchers, drones, and heavy machine guns. One source reported casualties among an army battalion and officers. The source also said army reinforcements arrived from the Wadi Seidna military area north of Omdurman.

Fighting subsided by evening, and calm returned to north Khartoum Bahri.