Sudan Army Repels Attempted Assault by Rapid Support Forces on El Fasher

Sudan’s army repelled an RSF assault on El Fasher, with dozens of RSF fighters killed. The ongoing conflict between the SAF and RSF has escalated since April 2023, leaving tens of thousands dead and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the country. El Fasher’s capture by RSF would be a major strategic win.

In a significant development, Sudan’s army reported that it successfully repelled an assault by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on the city of El Fasher on Sunday. Fighting escalated dramatically in this key city, which is the last major population center in Darfur not fully under RSF control. The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) confirmed that dozens of RSF fighters were killed during the clash, along with the destruction of armored vehicles, per statements made by the 6th Infantry Division.

El Fasher, which serves as the capital of North Darfur, has been witnessing an increase in violence since conflict erupted between the SAF and RSF on May 10. This ongoing battle is part of a larger conflict indicating a struggle for territorial control in Sudan, a situation that has significantly escalated following a power crisis which began in April 2023. Although the RSF has yet to publicly comment on the assault, reports of the violence continue to emerge.

The situation is becoming increasingly dire, with local officials like North Darfur Governor Al-Hafiz Bakhit reporting that RSF shelling hit a displacement shelter linked to the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources. Tragically, this attack resulted in the deaths of five civilians with over thirty others wounded. El Fasher remains crucial—being the largest city in the Darfur region and represents the only state capital not seized by the RSF as the paramilitary group continues its aggressive advance since the start of Sudan’s civil conflict.

Since last year, the violent clash between the SAF and RSF has left tens of thousands dead while forcing millions to flee their homes. That humanitarian crisis is exacerbating the suffering in Sudan, which already faced significant struggles prior to these hostilities. The capture of El Fasher would be a major victory for the RSF, potentially shifting the balance of power in favor of the paramilitary group. The ramifications of continued violence in Sudan are profound, and the international community watches closely as events unfold.

The situation in Sudan highlights the intense conflict between the Sudanese Army and Rapid Support Forces, particularly focused in El Fasher, which remains a strategic point. The reported casualties and humanitarian impact emphasize the ongoing turmoil affecting millions since the conflict escalated in April 2023. The potential capture of El Fasher by the RSF would mark a significant shift in the power dynamics in the region, necessitating vigilant observation from the global community.

Original Source: www.jpost.com