Sudanese Army Regains Control of Key Market from Paramilitaries in Omdurman
The Sudanese army has retaken Souq Libya market in Omdurman from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), reflecting its extensive military campaign to control the capital region. Despite the army’s advances, RSF maintains positions in western parts of the city. The war has led to massive displacements and destruction in Sudan since its inception nearly two years ago.
On Saturday, the Sudanese army announced its successful reclamation of a significant market in Omdurman, a neighboring city to Khartoum, previously utilized by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) as a base for operations. This action marks a critical milestone in the army’s ongoing campaign to regain authority over the capital region, comprising Khartoum, Omdurman, and Bahri, which are separated by the River Nile.
The offensive commenced earlier this month with the army recapturing strategic locations such as the presidential palace on March 21 and a war-damaged airport within the city center. Army spokesman Nabil Abdullah reported the military’s extended control over Souq Libya in Omdurman, highlighting the acquisition of weapons and equipment abandoned by fleeing RSF soldiers.
Souq Libya, recognized as one of the largest markets in the Khartoum vicinity, had been a key stronghold for the RSF, from which they launched numerous attacks since the onset of the conflict on April 15, 2023. Although the army has established dominance over much of Omdurman, RSF forces remain active, particularly in the Ombada district to the west.
As of late Thursday, the military spokesman confirmed that the army had purged Khartoum of the final remnants of the RSF. The war, which erupted nearly two years ago from a power struggle between the Sudanese army and the RSF, has displaced over 3.5 million residents of Khartoum, as reported by the United Nations. The conflict has had devastating impacts, leaving many unable to flee and residing amidst devastating destruction and, as per army claims, hidden mass graves.
The civil war has divided Sudan geographically: the army exerts control over the east and north while the RSF dominates Darfur in the west and areas in the south.
The Sudanese army’s recent reclamation of the Souq Libya market in Omdurman underscores its sustained efforts to regain control of the capital region from the Rapid Support Forces. This development follows the army’s recent victories in key locations within Khartoum and Omdurman. Despite these advances, RSF forces continue to hold territory in parts of the region, highlighting the ongoing complexities of the conflict which has caused significant humanitarian crises throughout Sudan.
Original Source: www.france24.com
