Sudan’s army has initiated large-scale artillery and airstrikes in the capital, aiming to regain control of areas dominated by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This operation, launched in late September, marks the army’s most extensive push to reclaim ground since the onset of the 17-month conflict.
Renewed Military Offensive
Witnesses and military sources report that the army’s offensive came just before General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan’s address at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. During his speech, Burhan emphasized that peace efforts would only progress if the RSF disarmed. He accused unnamed countries of supplying the RSF with men, money, and weapons but vowed that the army would “proceed to defeat and dislodge these aggressors, no matter how much assistance and support they find.”
Intense Clashes in the Capital
Heavy bombardments and clashes were reported as army troops attempted to cross bridges over the Nile, connecting Khartoum, Omdurman, and Bahri. While the army managed to reclaim some territory in Omdurman earlier this year, it remains heavily reliant on artillery and airstrikes. The RSF’s agile ground forces continue to be deeply entrenched in other parts of the capital, presenting a formidable challenge to the army.
Wider Conflict and Humanitarian Impact
The RSF has also advanced in other regions of Sudan, contributing to a conflict that has displaced over 10 million people and pushed parts of the country toward severe hunger or famine. Foreign powers have been implicated in providing material support to both sides, further complicating the situation.
The United Nations Security Council and Secretary-General have called for an end to the siege of al-Fashir, where over 1.8 million residents and displaced people are trapped.
Historical Context
The war erupted from escalating tensions between the RSF and the army, who had been vying for power ahead of an internationally backed transition to civilian rule. Following a 2021 coup, the army and RSF shared power but soon found themselves at odds, culminating in open conflict.
Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, has been mired in violence since April 15, 2023, when fighting broke out between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.
This escalation mirrors last year’s failed attempts to extend a cease-fire agreement brokered by the US and Saudi Arabia, which saw the military launching an offensive against the RSF, targeting strategic installations and troops.
The army’s latest push represents a critical juncture in Sudan’s ongoing struggle for stability and control. As the conflict continues to evolve, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that brings lasting peace to the region.
Recently, the Sudanese army said on Saturday it had retaken the strategic Jebel Moya mountain range in Sennar state after days of heavy fighting with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The army’s recapture of Jebel Moya marks a significant victory in its efforts to regain control of territory lost to the RSF since the conflict erupted in mid-April 2023.
