Home / Regional

Sudanese army repels second attack by Rapid Support Forces in Khartoum North

Sudanese security forces stand guard in Sudan's capital Khartoum. (FILE/AFP)

By Amina Wako | 19 Mar 2024

The Sudanese army announced its successful defence, citing the destruction of RSF vehicles, the seizure of two tanks, and the elimination of dozens of RSF members.

Tensions escalated in Khartoum as the Sudanese army reported a second attack by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on the army’s Signal Corps base in Khartoum North within a span of 48 hours.

The army successfully repelled the attack, which targeted the strategic Signal Corps, a vital link between the army headquarters in Khartoum and its forces across the Blue Nile River.

Keep reading

"Clashes erupted near the signal corps on Monday morning, with heavy gunfire and explosions shaking Khartoum Bahri as the army bombarded RSF positions with artillery from Omdurman," a military source revealed.

Despite the intensity of the attack, the Sudanese army deployed aircraft and artillery to thwart the RSF offensive. The RSF reportedly withdrew forces northward to the Halfaya suburb, sustaining losses in vehicles during the retreat.

In a subsequent statement, the Sudanese army announced its successful defence, citing the destruction of RSF vehicles, the seizure of two tanks, and the elimination of dozens of RSF members.

"Security service units stationed at the General Intelligence Service headquarters in Khartoum Bahri, along with the army, participated in repelling the attack," the statement highlighted.

Analysts suggest that the RSF's motive behind the attack was to impede the ongoing military operations in Khartoum North, where the army is advancing, aiming to reclaim territories, including the Khartoum oil refinery.

The conflict extended beyond Khartoum, with reports of Sudanese Air Force raids on RSF positions in El-Fasher, North Darfur, and Babanusa, West Kordofan. The RSF retaliated with anti-aircraft fire and shelling of civilian areas, including the main market and army headquarters in El Fasher.

The situation remains tense as both sides continue their military manoeuvres amidst growing concerns over civilian safety and the escalation of violence in Sudan.