Violent Clashes Erupt in Sudan: Army vs. Rapid Support Forces
Sudan is engulfed in violent clashes as the Sudanese army intensifies its attacks against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in key areas, including the capital, Khartoum, and the Darfur region. The conflict escalated on December 25, 2024, with both sides employing extensive drone warfare. Reports indicate that the army launched a continuous assault in Bahri, a suburb north of Khartoum, where fierce fighting has been ongoing since dawn. The army has reportedly made significant advances in Bahri, penetrating areas such as Shambat and Al-Ezba, while the RSF has retreated to Halat Hamad and Al-Shaabiya.
In a notable development, the RSF executed a drone attack on an army base in Maaqil, Shendi, utilizing a squadron of suicide drones. Although some drones were intercepted by the army's air defenses, one drone successfully struck the base, resulting in casualties among army personnel. The Maaqil base, located 150 kilometers from Khartoum, serves as a critical stronghold for the army.
Ongoing Violence and Regional Impact
The violence is not limited to Khartoum, as local sources report that the RSF stormed the town of Al-Qatina Al-Gharbiyya in the White Nile State, leading to clashes with the army stationed in Jabal Al-Arshkul. In Darfur, the army, supported by the joint forces of the Juba Peace Movements, is engaged in ongoing battles against the RSF. The joint forces have claimed control over several towns in North Darfur, including Dereishfa and Al-Sabah, as they aim to lift the siege on El Fasher, the last army stronghold in the region. This morning, artillery shelling by the RSF targeted the army command in El Fasher, prompting retaliatory airstrikes from the army on RSF positions in the vicinity.
The situation remains fluid, with both sides vying for control and the civilian population caught in the crossfire. The international community is closely monitoring the developments as the conflict continues to escalate.
