Sudan Conflict Escalates: Army and Rapid Support Forces Clash in Khartoum

Fighting intensified on Friday between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces in multiple areas, resulting in dozens of deaths and injuries on both sides. The army launched a three-pronged offensive on Thursday, described as the largest operation since the start of the war to retake the capital, Khartoum, from the Rapid Support Forces.

Battles Rage in Khartoum

Eyewitnesses reported renewed battles in central Khartoum, with thick columns of smoke rising in the Al-Muqrin area due to artillery shells fired by the army from Omdurman. Army warplanes carried out successive airstrikes on the Khartoum heartland, controlled by the Rapid Support Forces.

Rapid Support Forces Control Khartoum

Since the war began in mid-April 2023, the Rapid Support Forces have controlled the city of Khartoum, including military and sovereign positions, and besieged the Sudanese Army’s General Command headquarters.

Heavy Fighting in the Capital

Witnesses reported hearing the sound of bullets and heavy weapons in large areas of the capital, Khartoum. Media platforms linked to the Sudanese army reported progress in their forces’ deployment, while the Rapid Support Forces claimed to have eliminated all military movements attempting to cross bridges to Khartoum.

Army Forces Repelled

A source in the Rapid Support Forces stated that their forces are in full control of their positions and bases in central Khartoum, and that there is no truth to reports of significant advances by the Sudanese army in the city.

Conflict Spreads to Other Regions

Conflict returned between the two parties in the city of Al-Manaqil, southwest of Wad Madani, the capital of Al-Jazira Province. Fighting also occurred in the Al-Faw region, on the outskirts of Gedaref State in eastern Sudan.

Civilian Casualties Mount

The “Coordinating Committees of El Fasher Resistance” reported that the Rapid Support Forces bombarded the livestock market and surrounding areas with heavy artillery, resulting in dozens of civilian deaths and injuries.

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

The conflict has left around 18,000 people dead and displaced approximately 8.5 million people inside Sudan, with around 2.1 million seeking asylum in neighboring countries, according to the United Nations.