RSF intensifies shelling of Omdurman as Khartoum conflict escalates

August 19, 2024 (KHARTOUM) – The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) intensified its artillery bombardment of Omdurman from Khartoum Bahri on Monday, firing over 14 shells into the Al-Shahinab district, west of the Nile.

The RSF has focused its attacks on Omdurman with mortars and Katyusha rockets in recent days, causing significant damage to infrastructure, including the Al-Shuhada transportation station.

Sources in Bahri told Sudan Tribune that the RSF has repositioned artillery previously used to target areas near the Signal Corps in Bahri to now shell Omdurman. The RSF was observed transporting cannons on trucks and has positioned additional artillery north of Khartoum Bahri to target areas in Omdurman’s northern countryside.

The relentless shelling in northern Bahri has hindered residents’ efforts to transport vital food supplies across the Nile from Omdurman. In addition, residents are resorting to using boats to ferry patients to the west bank of the Nile to seek medical care.

Sources also indicated the movement of artillery from Khartoum to Bahri, suggesting a strategic shift by the RSF to intensify attacks on Omdurman after the army gained control of significant portions of the city.

Sporadic clashes persist between the army and the RSF in several areas of western Omdurman with neither side making significant advances.