Sudanese army conducts airstrikes on RSF in El Fasher

The Sudanese army initiated airstrikes on Friday, targeting positions held by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) east of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur. Military sources, speaking to Sudan Tribune, revealed that the airstrikes were executed with the aim of disrupting a sizable RSF contingent’s plans to enter the city center and potentially overthrow the leadership of the Sixth Infantry Division.

Eyewitnesses on the ground reported military aircraft targeting RSF gatherings near the Jadid al-Sail area, the land port, the stock market, and various eastern neighborhoods of El Fasher. Following these attacks, loud explosions and thick columns of smoke were observed, likely stemming from the reported use of explosive barrels.

These developments unfold in the aftermath of the RSF’s loss of control over Old Omdurman, which includes key locations such as the Radio and Television Authority headquarters, as well as several sites in the Imbda locality of western Omdurman, to the Sudanese army.

El Fasher has recently experienced intermittent artillery exchanges between the Sudanese army and the RSF, particularly concentrated in the northeastern sectors of the city.

Reports suggest that the RSF is actively seeking to seize control of El Fasher, which serves as the last stronghold of the Darfur Sixth Infantry Division. However, the city’s heavy deployment of army forces has thus far thwarted their efforts.

In response to these developments, various factions have pledged to engage the RSF if they manage to penetrate the center of El Fasher. Among these are the Sudan Liberation Movements led by Minni Arko Minawi, the Justice and Equality Movement led by Jibril Ibrahim, and a faction of the Sudan Liberation Forces. However, it’s noteworthy that the Liberation and Justice Party under Al-Hadi Idris and the mainstream Sudan Liberation Forces led by Al-Tahir Hajar have opted to maintain a neutral stance, abstaining from supporting either party in the ongoing conflict.

Currently, the RSF maintains control over the eastern and northern districts of El Fasher, amidst escalating tensions in the region.