Sudan Army Launches Major Offensive Against Rapid Support Forces in Khartoum
In a dramatic escalation of conflict in Sudan, the army has initiated a significant offensive against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Khartoum. This operation marks the largest military engagement to date, with attacks launched across two key bridges from Omdurman, the capital's twin city. The British newspaper, The Telegraph, reported that the sound of bombs and air strikes reverberated through the night, signaling the army's intent to reclaim control of the capital from the RSF's grip.
Residents of Khartoum have described the terrifying experience of the assault. Tariq Ali, a local resident, recounted, "The sound of the bombs was so loud that I felt like the ground was shaking. We did not sleep and were hearing the sounds of loud missiles, shelling, and bombs since about 2 am on Thursday." The military offensive began at the historic Al-Fateh Bridge, an area steeped in history, known for the siege of British General Charles Gordon 139 years ago.
The situation on the ground has become increasingly dire, with reports of fires breaking out in significant buildings such as the Petrodar Tower and the Hilton Hotel as the RSF attempts to halt the army's advance. Another resident, Mohamed Ahmed, expressed the fear gripping the community, stating, "Everyone was terrified, and there was no way out of your house unless you wanted to join the fighting."
As the conflict continues, the humanitarian crisis in Sudan deepens. Estimates suggest that over 150,000 people have been killed in the ongoing war, while more than 10 million have been displaced from their homes. Millions are facing famine as both warring factions obstruct aid deliveries to affected areas. The economic and healthcare systems in Sudan are on the brink of collapse, with skyrocketing food prices exacerbating the plight of the populace. Ahmed lamented the dire state of his family, saying, "We have no income to rely on for our livelihood. We rely on our relatives abroad to send money and on food donated to us by charities."
The CEO of the International Islamic Relief Agency, Waseem Ahmed, warned that the scars left by this war will take decades to heal, affecting not only the immediate victims but also the fabric of Sudanese society for generations to come.
