Fighting rages in Sudanese capital and key regions
September 27, 2024 (KHARTOUM) – Fierce clashes between the Sudanese Army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) erupted anew in the capital on Friday, marking the second consecutive day of intense urban warfare.
The fighting, concentrated in the Al-Maqran district west of central Khartoum, follows a significant advance by the army on Thursday, which saw troops push across the White Nile and Al-Fatihab bridges from Omdurman, securing positions on the Khartoum side.
Friday’s offensive focused on wresting control of Al-Maqran from the RSF, who are fiercely defending the area using snipers positioned in high-rise buildings.
The army deployed ground forces and launched airstrikes targeting RSF positions while heavy artillery bombarded paramilitary concentrations throughout the capital.
Military sources, speaking to Sudan Tribune, claim the army successfully neutralized RSF sniper nests in the Petrodar building and Coral Hotel during Thursday’s operation.
Clashes also flared along the Al-Halfaya bridge, a key link between northern Omdurman and Khartoum Bahri, with both sides exchanging artillery fire. North of Khartoum Bahri, the army’s air force targeted the strategically vital Khartoum oil refinery, which has been under RSF control since the conflict began in April 2023. Plumes of smoke were seen billowing from the refinery, marking the latest in a series of airstrikes on the facility.
Fighting spreads to eastern and western fronts
The conflict has also intensified in other regions. In Al Qadarif state in eastern Sudan, heavy fighting broke out along the Al Faw axis, a critical defence line between Al Qadarif and Al Jazirah state.
The army reportedly launched an offensive from Al Faw towards Al Jazirah, clashing with RSF forces near “Village 27” on the main road linking Al Qadarif and Wad Madani. Airstrikes were deployed to support the army’s advance and target RSF units west of the front line.
Sources indicate that RSF commander Abu Aqla Kikl has amassed a significant force of approximately 35 combat vehicles in Jabal Al-Abator, preparing to counter any further army gains in Al Jazirah.
In El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, clashes erupted overnight between the army and its allied movements against the RSF. The fighting, concentrated southeast of the city, was accompanied by airstrikes targeting RSF positions.
The RSF retaliated with artillery fire, striking the city’s livestock market. El Fasher has been a battleground since May, with ongoing fighting between the army and the RSF resulting in hundreds of civilian casualties and displacing tens of thousands.