Sudanese army tightens grip on Sennar as RSF advances in Blue Nile
November 22, 2024 (GADAREF) – The Sudanese Army announced on Thursday the recapture of Al Lakndi, a strategically important town in Sennar state, as it continues its push towards the regional capital, Sinjah. This advance comes amidst reports of Rapid Support Forces (RSF) expansion into several towns in the northwestern Blue Nile region, displacing hundreds of civilians.
The army’s operation in Sennar is reportedly gaining momentum, with Lt. Gen. Shams al-Din Kabbashi, deputy commander in chief, arriving at the front lines in Gadaref state. Gadaref state borders Al Jazirah, a region held by the RSF since December 2023. According to an army statement, the 17th Infantry Division, supported by the 4th Division’s reserve battalion, successfully cleared Al Lakndi and surrounding areas of RSF fighters.
“The terrorist RSF militia was expelled from civilian homes and infrastructure,” the statement declared. Al Lakndi, situated southeast of Sinjah, controls access to a key Blue Nile bridge, a vital regional capital route.
This latest victory follows the army’s recent recapture of the strategic Jebel Moya area, the town of Abu Hajar, Al Dinder, and several other settlements in its drive towards Sinjah. Military analysts anticipate a major offensive in Al Jazirah state once Sinjah is secured. However, the RSF retains control of Al Dali and Al Mazmum in southwestern Sennar.
Meanwhile, in the Blue Nile state, RSF attacks on the towns of Roro, Jariwa, Qili, and Jamam have triggered a humanitarian crisis. Hundreds of families have fled their homes, seeking refuge in the town of Bout, the administrative centre of the Al-Tadamun locality. Government sources in the Blue Nile, speaking to Sudan Tribune, described desperate conditions and a lack of humanitarian aid for the displaced.
The sources reported accounts of civilian deaths during the RSF attacks, as well as disappearances and widespread looting. The RSF launched these assaults from their strongholds in Al Dali and Al Mazmum of Sennar state without official acknowledgement.
In a separate development, Lt. Gen. Kabbashi inspected frontline positions in the eastern region, including the strategic Al Faw axis. This visit, part of a broader tour of military units, aims to assess combat readiness and troop morale for the ongoing “Dignity” campaign. During his meeting with officers and soldiers, Lt. Gen. Kabbashi received a comprehensive briefing on military operations in the presence of Maj. According to a statement from the Sovereign Council, Gen. Ahmed Mohamed al-Hassan al-Amas, commander of the eastern region.
The army’s Al Faw axis forms part of a multi-pronged strategy to encircle Al Jazirah state. Military units are also deployed in Al Manaqil, west of Wad Madani, the state capital, and in the strategic Jebel Moya area, which controls a key highway connecting Sennar, Al Jazirah, and White Nile states.