Heavy clashes erupt in Khartoum as Ramadan begins

March 13, 2024 (OMDURMAN) – Intense fighting erupted between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on several fronts in Khartoum on Monday, the first day of the holy month of Ramadan. This comes despite a recent resolution by the United Nations Security Council urging both sides to cease hostilities during this sacred period.

A military spokesperson announced via the army’s Facebook page that the army’s special action forces engaged the RSF in Al-Kadro suburb, north of Khartoum Bahri. The statement claimed the destruction of seven RSF combat vehicles, and two fuel trucks, the disabling of looted civilian cars used by the RSF, and the seizure of Dushka heavy machine guns, motorcycles, and fuel supplies.

Social media posts associated with the military displayed pictures of the operation and soldiers securing positions near Shambat Bridge, east of Omdurman. This suggests a potential attempt to encircle RSF forces stationed near the radio and television buildings overlooking the Nile River. The strategically important Shambat Bridge, linking Khartoum Bahri and Omdurman, was partially destroyed last October during the ongoing conflict.

Further reports indicate heavy artillery bombardments launched by the army from Omdurman targeting RSF positions in the Al-Nahda neighbourhood, the Sports City, and nearby campgrounds. Local sources confirmed to Sudan Tribune the occurrence of these explosions.

These recent developments come amidst a protracted conflict that began in April 2023 between the Sudanese army and the RSF. Initially confined to Khartoum, the fighting has since spread to several states in the western, central, and southern regions of Sudan.