Fierce fighting erupts between Sudanese army, RSF in Omdurman

January 9, 2024 (KHARTOUM) – Fierce battles erupted Tuesday between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the areas surrounding the Corps of Engineers in Omdurman, intensifying the ongoing conflict that has gripped the country for nearly nine months.

The Sudanese army has been striving to break the siege of the Corps of Engineers and establish a connection with the Karari military region, where recurring violent confrontations have unfolded between the two forces.

Pro-army social media pages today released video footage showcasing the military’s advance and their capture of Al-Arbaeen Street in Omdurman, Al-Mawradah Street, and several locations in central Omdurman previously under RSF control.

Violence also erupted in the popular market and main market in Omdurman, with the Sudanese army securing control over portions of these areas.

Eyewitnesses reported to Sudan Tribune that the army conducted airstrikes targeting RSF positions, including sites in Riyadh, Taif, and Hajj Youssif of Khartoum. Additionally, RSF bases in the Al-Azhari suburb and the Sports City in southern Khartoum were targeted by the military’s air raids.

In response, the RSF retaliated by firing heavy artillery and guided missiles at army positions in the General Command, the Signal Corps, the Armoured Corps, and the Karari Military area.

As the Sudanese war enters its ninth month, the scale of military confrontations between the two sides has expanded. Despite mounting international and regional pressure urging both parties to return to the negotiating table, the two belligerents remain fixated on achieving a decisive military victory.

(ST)