Sudanese Army Gains Control in Central Khartoum Amid Ongoing Conflict
In a significant military operation on September 26, 2024, the Sudanese army launched a coordinated assault across the three cities of Khartoum State, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict that has persisted for 17 months. Utilizing land, air, and naval forces, the army successfully advanced across multiple bridges, targeting positions held by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and seizing control of critical sites in central Khartoum.
Military officials reported that the army crossed the White Nile, Al-Fateh, and Al-Halfaya bridges, effectively linking Omdurman with Khartoum and Bahri. This maneuver allowed them to storm vital locations, including the headquarters of the Bank of Sudan, Zain Telecommunications, Petrodar Oil Company, and several other strategic targets. The operation also involved the engineering corps, which played a crucial role in regaining control over the National Medical Laboratory and enhancing communication lines between the army's various units.
As the army pushed further into central Khartoum, they reportedly inflicted heavy losses on the RSF, forcing their forces to retreat towards the southern regions. Military experts suggest that this operation is not only a tactical victory but also serves a broader strategic purpose, as it coincides with the presence of the Chairman of the Sovereignty Council at the United Nations General Assembly. This timing aims to signal the army's dominance and the RSF's declining influence in the ongoing conflict.
The expert analysis indicates that the army's recent gains are bolstered by new weapons and equipment, which have been instrumental in controlling the airspace over Khartoum. The operation's success is attributed to its surprise nature and simultaneous execution across multiple fronts, which disoriented RSF forces that were concentrated on defending specific areas.
Local residents in Omdurman and North Khartoum Bahri celebrated the army's advances, expressing their support through public displays of joy, including distributing sweets and food. This public sentiment highlights the growing isolation faced by the RSF due to their actions against civilians during the conflict.
As the Sudanese army continues its operations, military experts predict that these developments could signal the beginning of the end for RSF control in Khartoum and surrounding states, potentially reshaping the power dynamics in Sudan.
