Renewed clashes erupt between Sudanese army, RSF in Khartoum Bahri

In a concerning escalation of tensions, the Sudanese army faced a second assault by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on its Signal Corps base in Khartoum North, marking the second attack within a 48-hour period. The incident underscores the volatile situation in the region.

The army successfully repelled the attack, resulting in casualties on the RSF side. The Signal Corps base holds strategic significance, serving as a crucial link between the army headquarters in Khartoum and its forces stationed across the Blue Nile River, with the army controlling the vital Blue Nile Bridge.

Monday morning saw clashes erupt near the signal corps, with Khartoum Bahri experiencing heavy gunfire and explosions as the army retaliated by bombarding RSF positions with artillery from Omdurman. Military sources suggest that army aircraft and artillery played a decisive role in thwarting the RSF assault, forcing them to withdraw forces northward to Halfaya suburb while sustaining losses in vehicles.

In a subsequent statement, the Sudanese army announced the successful repulsion of the attack, detailing the destruction of RSF vehicles, the seizure of two tanks, and the reported elimination of dozens of RSF members. The collaborative effort with security service units stationed at the General Intelligence Service headquarters in Khartoum Bahri underscores the gravity of the situation.

Analysts speculate that the RSF’s attack aimed to disrupt ongoing military operations in Khartoum North, where the army has made significant advances, preparing to reclaim territory, including the Khartoum oil refinery. Additionally, in southern Khartoum, army soldiers have broadcasted their advance into the Jabra neighborhood, with plans to retake areas currently held by the RSF, such as the central market and sports city.

The conflict’s reach extended beyond Khartoum, with military aircraft targeting RSF positions in El-Fasher, North Darfur, and Babanusa, West Kordofan. Local reports indicate Sudanese Air Force raids on RSF positions near El Fasher, prompting retaliatory fire from the RSF, which targeted civilian areas, including the main market and army headquarters, exacerbating the humanitarian situation in the region.