Sudan Army Advances Towards Khartoum amid Civilian Casualties and Ongoing Conflict

The Sudanese army is advancing towards Khartoum’s presidential palace amid intense fighting with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Shelling in Omdurman has resulted in civilian casualties, highlighting the humanitarian crisis. The conflict, ongoing since April 2023, has displaced millions and devastated the nation, with significant food insecurity affecting the population.

The conflict in Sudan persists as the army moves closer to the presidential palace in Khartoum, amidst violent clashes with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Recent shelling in Omdurman resulted in the deaths of six civilians, including two children, and injured 36 others, as reported by medical officials. The bombardment specifically targeted residential areas and children in public spaces, exacerbating the crisis in the region.

Since the outbreak of war in April 2023, the RSF and the army have faced escalating hostilities. The army claims it is now less than a kilometer from the presidential palace, previously seized by the RSF. RSF commander Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo has publicly declared that his forces will not abandon their position at the Republican Palace, indicating the ongoing intensity of the conflict.

The humanitarian impact has been devastating, with tens of thousands of fatalities reported and over 12 million displaced across the nation, leading to one of the world’s most severe hunger and displacement crises. In Khartoum alone, approximately 3.5 million individuals have been displaced due to the violent clashes, according to United Nations estimates.

In a related incident in North Kordofan’s capital, El-Obeid, RSF shelling resulted in the deaths of two civilians and injuries to 15 others. The military had previously broken a nearly two-year siege by the RSF in a critical area linking Khartoum to Darfur, which remains predominantly under RSF control. Displacement in North Kordofan has affected over 200,000 individuals, with nearly one million facing severe food insecurity.

Clashes have also spread to Blue Nile state, where the RSF reported capturing military assets from government forces. The prolonged conflict has fractured the nation, with the RSF controlling the majority of Darfur and parts of southern Sudan, while the army maintains influence in the north and east. Recent military advances suggest that the army is close to regaining full control over Khartoum and central Sudan.

In summary, the conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces remains intense, with both sides suffering significant casualties and the humanitarian toll rising. The army’s advancements toward the presidential palace illustrate a potential shift in control within Khartoum, while the broader impact on civilians continues to escalate, underscoring the urgent need for resolution and aid in the region.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com