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Sudanese military conducts airstrikes on RSF in El Fasher

A man stands by as a fire rages in a livestock market area in al-Fasher, the capital of Sudan's North Darfur state, on September 1, 2023, in the aftermath of bombardment by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). (Photo: AFP)

By Foreign Reporter | 16 Mar 2024

Currently, the RSF controls the eastern and northern districts of El Fasher.

In a huge military escalation, the Sudanese army launched airstrikes targeting Rapid Support Forces (RSF) positions east of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur.

According to military sources who spoke to the Sudan Tribune, the airstrikes aimed to disrupt a large RSF contingent planning to enter the city center and potentially overthrow the leadership of the Sixth Infantry Division.

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Eyewitnesses reported military aircraft targeting RSF gatherings near the Jadid al-Sail area, the land port, the stock market, and several eastern neighborhoods of El Fasher.

The reported use of explosive barrels was followed by loud explosions and thick smoke columns.

These developments follow the RSF's loss of control over Old Omdurman, including the Radio and Television Authority headquarters and several locations in western Omdurman's Imbda locality, to the Sudanese army.

El Fasher has witnessed intermittent artillery exchanges between the army and the RSF, primarily concentrated in the city's northeastern sectors.

The RSF reportedly aims to seize control of El Fasher, housing the last remaining stronghold of Darfur's Sixth Infantry Division. However, heavy army deployment in the city has thus far thwarted their attempts.

Meanwhile, the Sudan Liberation Movement under Minni Arko Minawi, the Justice and Equality Movement led by Jibril Ibrahim, and a faction of the Sudan Liberation Forces have pledged to engage the RSF if they reach the city center.

However, the Liberation and Justice Party led by Al-Hadi Idris and the mainstream Sudan Liberation Forces under Al-Tahir Hajar maintain a neutral stance, withholding support from either party in the conflict.

Currently, the RSF controls the eastern and northern districts of El Fasher.