Fierce fighting between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has resumed in Khartoum after weeks of calm. The renewed clashes took place near the “Hattab” military base in northern Khartoum Bahri, part of the greater Khartoum area.
Witnesses told Asharq Al-Awsat that both heavy and light weapons were used in the battle near the army’s base. Residents said the RSF launched a surprise attack early Monday from several directions.
Army media reported that the military repelled the RSF attack, forcing them to retreat and destroying several of their vehicles.
The frontlines in northern Khartoum Bahri have remained mostly quiet for over a month, aside from occasional skirmishes with light weapons.
The heaviest fighting has been concentrated in Omdurman, which is also a part of the greater Khartoum metropolitan area, and where the RSF have been carrying out almost daily artillery strikes.
RSF-affiliated social media pages shared videos claiming they have taken control of the Hattab military base in Khartoum Bahri. According to these videos, the RSF forces pushed into the base after fierce resistance from the army, capturing or killing several soldiers.
The clashes followed reports that the RSF had been massing troops in the East Nile area, preparing for an attack on the heavily fortified army base.
In Omdurman, sporadic clashes and operations between the Sudanese army and the RSF continued in residential areas. The RSF controls most of Khartoum and Khartoum Bahri, while the army holds much of Omdurman.
The army’s air force launched heavy strikes on RSF-controlled areas, particularly in El Fasher and Mellit in North Darfur.
Social media posts show the damage in Mellit, where the RSF is based and from where they attack El Fasher, which is held by the army.
Residents told Asharq Al-Awsat that the airstrikes hit civilian areas, killing and injuring several people and causing significant damage to homes and businesses.
They noted that the strikes targeted the city's market, leading to many casualties and widespread destruction.
