Sudanese Army Reclaims Key Market in Omdurman Amid Ongoing Conflict

The Sudanese army has regained control of a vital market in Omdurman, part of a broader offensive to reclaim the Khartoum area from the Rapid Support Forces. The military has made significant gains, including the presidential palace, while still facing RSF presence in western Omdurman. The ongoing conflict has displaced over 3.5 million people in Khartoum alone.

The Sudanese army announced the reclaiming of a significant market in Omdurman, a city closely associated with Khartoum. This initiative is part of a larger campaign aimed at regaining dominance over the capital region, comprising Khartoum, Omdurman, and Bahri. This operation follows previous successes, such as the recapture of the presidential palace and the badly damaged airport within the city highlands.

Army spokesman Nabil Abdullah confirmed that the forces have “extended their control over Souq Libya in Omdurman” and confiscated “weapons and equipment left behind by” the rival paramilitary group, known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Previously, Souq Libya had served as a prominent base for the RSF’s operations.

Although the army has secured much of Omdurman, RSF continues to maintain positions in western parts of the city, specifically in the Ombada district. Furthermore, Abdullah indicated that the army has “cleansed” the city of Khartoum from the remaining elements of the RSF.

The conflict in Sudan began almost two years ago due to a power struggle between the army and RSF, which was previously allied with the army. Since the onset of this war, over 3.5 million residents of Khartoum have been forced to flee, according to the United Nations. Those who remain are often sheltered in abandoned structures, surrounded by the wreckage of conflict and what the military describes as concealed mass graves.

The ongoing war has effectively divided Sudan, with the army asserting control over parts of the east and north, while the RSF dominates substantial areas of Darfur to the west and parts of the south, illustrating the extensive geographical and political ramifications of this brutal conflict.

In summary, the Sudanese army’s recent recovery of Souq Libya marks a significant milestone in its offensive to reclaim the Khartoum region from RSF forces. Despite advances, the RSF still retains control in parts of Omdurman, highlighting the ongoing complexities of the conflict. The humanitarian crisis is severe, with millions displaced amid the struggle for power between these factions, reflecting the profound impact of the war on Sudan’s populace and territory.

Original Source: www.france24.com