Sudanese Army Strikes RSF in Khartoum

Fighting between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) reignited today, Thursday, in the capital Khartoum. Residents reported heavy artillery fire and intense clashes in areas such as Khartoum North and East Nile.

The renewed hostilities coincided with airstrikes conducted by army drones, which targeted RSF positions, leading to significant destruction and rising plumes of smoke across various locations in the capital.

In Sinar State, the Sudanese army confirmed it maintains a blockade on the city of Sinja, the state capital, after regaining control over large portions of the area.

Allegations of Violations and Sexual Assaults

In a related development, the United Nations has accused the RSF of committing widespread sexual violations, including gang rapes, abductions, and the detention of women under conditions tantamount to sexual slavery.

A report from the UN fact-finding mission detailed that these abuses occurred as RSF advanced through areas under their control during the ongoing conflict with the Sudanese armed forces.

These allegations emerged alongside continued RSF assaults in eastern Al-Jazeera State, where RSF forces overran the Al-Hilaliya area, resulting in the deaths of five individuals and widespread looting, forcing residents to flee to areas like Gedaref and Kassala, as well as nearby villages.

These attacks have resulted in dozens of casualties, both dead and injured.

Earlier, a new armed group coordinated with the Sudanese army to deploy its forces in eastern Sudan.

The conflict in Sudan erupted in mid-April 2023 between the army, led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who also serves as the head of the Sovereign Council, and the RSF, commanded by his former ally and deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.

The war has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced over 11 million people, including 3.1 million who have fled the country, according to the International Organization for Migration. The UN has characterized this situation as one of the worst humanitarian crises in modern history.