Army Advances Amid Escalating Clashes with RSF in Northern Sudan

Army Advances Amid Escalating Clashes with RSF in Northern Sudan

The Sudanese army is intensifying its efforts to reclaim key areas north of Khartoum, engaging in fierce battles with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) across multiple fronts, particularly in Bahri.

On Friday, an Anadolu correspondent reported intense fighting as the army made significant advances into previously RSF-controlled territories. In recent days, the military has recaptured strategic locations in northern Bahri, including Halfaia, Shambat, and Kadaru, marking a turning point in the prolonged conflict.

In central Khartoum, the army has made headway, advancing into the Al-Maqarin area, a critical zone that includes the presidential palace. Heavy fighting persists in this region, with RSF forces defending their positions using artillery and snipers stationed in high-rise buildings.

The ongoing conflict has forced thousands of civilians to flee parts of Khartoum. However, the army has reportedly secured large portions of Omdurman, a city situated to the north of the capital.

The military’s recent push included a major offensive launched on September 26 when forces crossed the Halfaia Bridge over the Nile to target RSF positions in Bahri. This operation forms part of a broader campaign to reclaim control of contested areas.

The conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF, which began in mid-April 2023, has exacted a devastating toll. Official reports from the United Nations and local authorities estimate over 20,000 deaths and 14 million people displaced. However, research by U.S. universities suggests the death toll could be as high as 130,000.

As fighting rages on, the RSF continues to hold much of southern and central Khartoum, fortifying its positions with heavy weaponry. Meanwhile, the army remains committed to regaining control of these critical areas despite the high human and material cost of the conflict.

This prolonged war underscores the deep divisions within Sudan and highlights the urgent need for a resolution to end the humanitarian catastrophe that has engulfed the nation.