RSF Claims Seizing Significant Areas of ‘Armored Camp’ in Khartoum

A picture distributed by the Rapid Support Forces on Sunday around the headquarters of the Armored Camp south of Khartoum, Sudan (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A picture distributed by the Rapid Support Forces on Sunday around the headquarters of the Armored Camp south of Khartoum, Sudan (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT

RSF Claims Seizing Significant Areas of ‘Armored Camp’ in Khartoum

A picture distributed by the Rapid Support Forces on Sunday around the headquarters of the Armored Camp south of Khartoum, Sudan (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A picture distributed by the Rapid Support Forces on Sunday around the headquarters of the Armored Camp south of Khartoum, Sudan (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announced on Monday their successful seizure of substantial portions of the “Armored Camp,” which belongs to the Sudanese Army, across multiple fronts to the south of Sudan’s capital, Khartoum.

According to the RSF, this operation inflicted significant human casualties and damage to military equipment.

In an official statement released under the name of the RSF spokesperson, the paramilitary group disclosed that the army’s troops fled and sought refuge within some adjacent camp buildings, where they are now being pursued.

The statement detailed that the RSF managed to secure a significant amount of military equipment, including weapon depots, ammunition, 34 armored vehicles, tanks, 12 artillery pieces, and 78 vehicles.

Additionally, they reported the deaths of 260 soldiers and the capture of hundreds.

Previously, the RSF had released a video showing their personnel within the headquarters of the Army’s Armored Division located in the Shagara area south of Khartoum.

Meanwhile, fierce battles were taking place in the southern part of Omdurman.

Eyewitnesses attested that the RSF launched a renewed assault on the Armored Division’s headquarters on Monday morning. They succeeded in breaching its defenses.

On their official Facebook page, the RSF shared video clips of their members operating from within the fortifications of the “Armored Camp,” which they referred to as the “strategic fortress of remnants.”

In the early hours of Sunday, the RSF initiated an intense attack on the Armored Camp from three different fronts.

The army issued a statement acknowledging their successful defense of the Shagara Camp against the assault, resulting in hundreds of attackers being either killed or wounded.

They also mentioned the destruction of five armored vehicles, tanks, and combat vehicles after the RSF attempted to flee.

The army statement confirmed that “the RSF launched mortar shells during their withdrawal, resulting in the deaths of six civilians and the injury of several others.”

Witnesses also reported that the sounds of reciprocal artillery bombardment between the RSF and the army, along with the explosions reverberating across the southern regions of Khartoum since the morning, continue unabated.



Iraq Urges Trump to Strengthen Security Coordination

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani (Government Media)
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani (Government Media)
TT

Iraq Urges Trump to Strengthen Security Coordination

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani (Government Media)
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani (Government Media)

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani congratulated US President Donald Trump on returning to the White House, while the Shiite-led Coordination Framework ignored the occasion.

Instead, Coordination Framework officials focused on calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and domestic issues.

In his message on Tuesday, al-Sudani’s gesture seemed to clear the way for Iraq to move past the arrest warrant issued for Trump in 2021 over the 2020 killings of Qassem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.

The Iraqi judiciary stated at the time that the arrest warrant was based on Article 406 of the Iraqi Penal Code and that investigations into other individuals involved, whether Iraqi or foreign, would continue.

This week, Iraqi activists shared an image of the judicial decision, sparking debate on social media about the fate of the arrest warrant now that Trump has returned to the US presidency.

Some argued that the warrant would remain a point of embarrassment for those who pushed for its issuance.

Nevertheless, Sudani congratulated Trump, expressing Iraq's interest in strengthening ties with the US through the Strategic Framework Agreement, focusing on mutual interests.

He emphasized the importance of promoting regional and global stability, security, and development.

Sudani reiterated Iraq’s commitment to its strategic relationship with the US and expanding cooperation in security, economics, culture, technology, investment, and sustainable development, while respecting sovereignty and avoiding interference in domestic affairs.

President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid also congratulated Trump on his re-election, affirming Iraq’s support for security and stability in the region and the world, and for enhancing bilateral relations to benefit both nations.

In contrast, the Coordination Framework refrained from mentioning Trump in its statement following a meeting held in Baghdad on Monday night into Tuesday, coinciding with the inauguration ceremony in Washington.

Instead, the coalition congratulated the Palestinian people on the Gaza ceasefire and urged the international community to ramp up efforts to rebuild war-torn areas, assist displaced people, and address the destruction of infrastructure, particularly hospitals and schools.

The Coordination Framework also highlighted consensus among the Iraqi parliament’s leadership, calling for support for provincial governors in fulfilling their duties.

While praising the government's successful foreign visits, Coordination Framework officials emphasized the importance of maintaining Iraq’s balanced foreign policy.