Sudanese army thwarts major RSF attack in Khartoum
August 20, 2023 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese army successfully repelled a significant assault by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on the armoured corps headquarters within the Al-Shajara military area, resulting in substantial casualties and equipment damage.
Starting early on Sunday morning, intense confrontations unfolded between the warring factions in the military zone and the armoured corps located south of the capital, Khartoum. The exchange of artillery fire between the army and RSF generated loud explosions echoing in Sports City, Al-Sahafa, and Al-Ushra.
The army spokesperson issued a statement on Sunday night affirming, “Our forces stationed in the al-Shajara military area thwarted numerous futile attack attempts by the rebel militia on the armoured corps and the ammunition complex.”
He elaborated that the army inflicted significant losses on the attacking RSF forces, resulting in hundreds of fatalities and injuries. Moreover, the confrontation led to the destruction of five armoured vehicles, a T55 tank, and a notable number of combat vehicles.
According to the statement, the army also managed to seize three tanks and a selection of armed vehicles during the battle.
The spokesperson noted that the RSF had engaged a substantial number of minors and young individuals during the attack, a violation of international humanitarian law, he further underscored.
Upon their retreat, RSF troops launched mortar fire toward the nearby Al-Salama area, resulting in the deaths of six civilians and several injuries, as stated by the military release.
However, sources from the area informed Sudan Tribune that the casualties of the artillery exchange exceeded ten individuals, with a significant count of wounded.
The RSF released videos depicting their forces on the outskirts of the Armoured Corps’ vicinity, yet no footage was published demonstrating their entry into or control of the headquarters.
Throughout the course of the conflict, the paramilitary forces have relentlessly pursued the capture of the armoured corps headquarters. This facility has harboured hostility towards the RSF for an extended period. A number of generals from this military branch had been detained, accused of conspiring to overthrow al-Burhan due to his rejection of their calls to disband the RSF. These generals have now rejoined the army and are leading the charge against Hemetti’s forces.
Furthermore, violent clashes erupted in several areas within the Sudanese capital on Sunday. Both the air forces and artillery were engaged in the confrontations. The spokesperson mentioned the participation of the Special Operations forces in these clashes.
(ST)