Renewed clashes erupt between Sudanese army and RSF in Khartoum Bahri

March 18, 2024 (KHARTOUM) – Sudanese army reported a second attack by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on the army’s Signal Corps base in Khartoum North within 48 hours.

The army successfully repelled the attack, inflicting casualties on the RSF. The Signal Corps is a strategic location linking the army headquarters in Khartoum to its forces across the Blue Nile River. The army controls the key Blue Nile Bridge.

Clashes erupted on Monday morning near the signal corps. Heavy gunfire and explosions rocked Khartoum Bahri as the army bombarded RSF positions with artillery from Omdurman.

Military sources claim army aircraft and artillery thwarted the RSF attack. The RSF reportedly withdrew some forces north to Halfaya suburb while sustaining vehicle losses.

The Sudanese army later issued a statement saying its forces repelled the attack, destroying RSF vehicles, seizing two tanks, and killing dozens of RSF members.

Security service units stationed at the General Intelligence Service headquarters in Khartoum Bahri, along with the army, participated in repelling the attack.

Analysts say the RSF attack aimed to obstruct the ongoing military operations in Khartoum North, where the army now controls several parts and is preparing to dislodge them from the Khartoum oil refinery.

In southern Khartoum, army soldiers broadcasted a video announcing their advance to positions in the Jabra neighbourhood. They plan to move towards the central market and the sports city, currently held by the RSF since the conflict began in April 2023.

Fighting extended beyond Khartoum. Military aircraft targeted RSF positions in El-Fasher, North Darfur, and Babanusa, West Kordofan.

Local sources reported Sudanese Air Force raids on RSF positions near El Fasher on Monday morning. The RSF responded with anti-aircraft fire and shelled the main market and army headquarters in El Fasher.

(ST)