Sudanese Army Claims Control Over Omdurman Market Amidst Ongoing Conflict
The Sudanese army has purportedly retaken control of Souq Libya in Omdurman from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) amidst an ongoing military offensive to establish dominance in Khartoum. The conflict has significantly displaced over 3.5 million people since erupting nearly two years ago.
The Sudanese army announced on Saturday its control over a significant market in Omdurman, part of Khartoum, which had been utilized by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for launching attacks. This marks a continuation of the army’s efforts to regain control of the capital region comprising Khartoum, Omdurman, and Bahri.
This recent military offensive has included vital victories, such as the recapture of the presidential palace on March 21 and the airport, alongside other significant locations in the city center. Army spokesman Nabil Abdullah confirmed the army’s advance into Souq Libya, a bustling market long regarded as an RSF stronghold.
Souq Libya had been a critical site for the RSF for months, facilitating attacks in northern and central Omdurman during the conflict, which erupted on April 15, 2023. Despite the army’s substantial control over Omdurman, the RSF remains entrenched in areas like the Ombada district to the west.
On Thursday, military officials stated they had eradicated the remaining RSF presence in Khartoum. The current war is a result of a power struggle between the Sudanese army and the RSF, which was previously an ally. Since the onset of this conflict, over 3.5 million residents have fled Khartoum, according to UN reports, while many others remain amid a landscape marked by devastation and abandoned infrastructure.
The conflict has significantly divided Sudan, with the army maintaining control in the east and north, whereas the RSF holds major territories in Darfur and portions of the south.
In summary, the Sudanese army’s recent successes in reclaiming strategic locations in Khartoum, particularly the Souq Libya market, underscore its ongoing offensive against the RSF. This conflict, rooted in a power struggle, has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, displacing millions and leaving many residents stranded in dire conditions. The situation remains tense, with the RSF continuing to exert control in certain districts despite the army’s advances.
Original Source: www.france24.com
