Sudanese army repulses RSF attack in North Kordofan State
April 21, 2024 (EL-OBEID) – The Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) on Sunday repelled an attack by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan state.
The attack, eyewitnesses said, resulted in heavy casualties and destruction of military vehicles
For the past three days, the RSF reportedly amassed forces from Darfur in an attempt to capture El Obeid and defeat the city’s 5th Infantry Division.
Eyewitnesses interviewed by Sudan Tribune claim the RSF launched a two-pronged attack from the north and west, with additional forces arriving from the Barra and Nahud roads. The attack targeted residential areas including Unit neighborhoods, Squares 12 and 13, and the Taiba neighborhood. Intense fighting erupted, lasting over three hours, before the army repelled the offensive.
According to eyewitnesses, the RSF suffered significant losses during the attack.
Videos posted by Sudanese army platforms allegedly show destroyed and captured RSF vehicles, exceeding 10. The videos also reportedly depict family members of RSF soldiers.
The RSF, positioned in the city’s western 13th district, responded with Katyusha rocket attacks, killing at least two civilians according to medical sources.
The Sudanese army retaliated with airstrikes using barrel bombs on the RSF positions launching the rocket attacks.
El-Obeid, a strategically important city linking Kordofan and Darfur, has been a target for the RSF since the conflict began. The army has reportedly successfully defended the city against previous RSF attempts to seize control.
The paramilitary group currently encircles El-Obeid after taking control of Al-Rahd and Um Rowaba localities on the main road connecting North Kordofan and White Nile State. They have also reportedly cut off the road between North and South Kordofan by seizing the Al-Quz locality in South Kordofan.
This siege has reportedly caused shortages of essential goods and medicine in El-Obeid, worsening the living conditions for residents.
(ST)