Sudanese army advances in Omdurman, regaining control of key areas

August 4, 2024 (OMDURMAN) – The Sudanese army continued its offensive in western Omdurman, seizing new positions on Sunday after intense clashes with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

This advance follows the army’s successful reclamation of RSF-held positions in the Al-Muhandisin and Al-Fatihab neighbourhoods on August 1st, part of a broader operation to secure western and southern Omdurman.

Military sources told Sudan Tribune that the army has established control over the western and northern fronts of the Engineers Corps, extending from the Bashir Bridge through Umbada Hamad Al-Nil to the Mansoura suburb.

The army reportedly seized seven military vehicles, destroyed six others, and captured two Kornet anti-tank guns and a large quantity of weapons.

Eyewitnesses described violent clashes in the Al-Bustan and Al-Nakhil neighbourhoods, with the RSF retreating towards Muraba’at, Al-Bank Al-Aqari, Souq Libya, and Dar Al-Salam.

Artillery shells fell in Square 26 of Dar Al-Salam, Ombada Krour, and Wad Al-Bashir, but no casualties were reported.

The Mansoura area, now under army control for the first time since the conflict began in April, was a key RSF stronghold used to launch attacks on the Engineers Corps. Sources indicate the area also housed long-range missile and cannon platforms targeting Al-Thawra and the army headquarters in Karari.

This strategic gain offers the army access to Dar Al-Salam, Souq Libya, Kandahar, and the Omdurman-Bara export road, a vital RSF supply route.

Pro-army pages shared videos depicting the army’s presence in Al-Muhandisin, Mansoura, and the capture of RSF vehicles.

Major General Alzafer Omer, commander of the Omdurman military region and the Engineers Corps, inspected the newly established army bases in former RSF strongholds.

These recent gains build upon the army’s successful efforts to break the siege of the Engineers Corps and retake old Omdurman neighbourhoods, including the headquarters of the General Authority for Radio and Television.