Sudanese army repels RSF attack in Khartoum, Babanusa battles intensify

March 16, 2024 (KHARTOUM/BABANUSA) — On Saturday, The Sudanese army clashed with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on two fronts, repelling an attack in Khartoum and witnessing intensified fighting in Babanusa, West Kordofan State.

The army responded to a major RSF attack on the Signal Corps in Khartoum Bahri. Military sources reported heavy losses for the RSF, including destroyed vehicles and numerous casualties.

A former military newspaper editor, Colonel Ibrahim al-Houri, stated on Facebook that the army mobilized forces to counter the RSF attack.

Social media pages loyal to the army circulated video clips showing captured RSF vehicles and the bodies of its fighters. The RSF has yet to comment on the Khartoum battle.

Escalating Violence in Babanusa

Meanwhile, brutal clashes continued in Babanusa. The RSF launched a new attack seeking control of the city’s 22nd Infantry Division headquarters, leading to a fierce military standoff.

Military sources informed Sudan Tribune that Saturday witnessed renewed violence, with both sides using heavy weaponry. Civilian casualties were reported, and airstrikes targeted RSF positions within Babanusa.

A member of the Babanusa Emergency Room recounted a tragic incident. RSF forces allegedly killed three family members attempting to flee the city on the Al-Kalait road.

The source further accused the RSF of widespread human rights violations, including arbitrary arrests, killings, looting, and deploying snipers in civilian areas.

Since January 22nd, the RSF’s offensive against the army’s 22nd Infantry Division has displaced over 50,000 civilians, constituting roughly 95% of Babanusa’s population. These displaced persons now face dire humanitarian conditions in surrounding villages and towns, with warnings of imminent famine issued by the government.

(ST)