Sudanese army, RSF clash intensifies in Al-Jazira State

Source: Sudan Tribune

May 5, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) - Fierce fighting has erupted between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on the Al-Faw axis, east of Wad Madani, the capital of Al-Jazira State in central Sudan. Local sources report a significant increase in military activity on both sides.

The Sudanese army, alongside allied forces from armed movements, is reportedly encircling Al-Jazira State from three directions: south (Sennar axis), west (Al-Manaqil axis), and east (Al-Faw axis).

On Sunday morning, Sudanese warplanes conducted airstrikes on RSF positions in Shabarqa, a strategic town approximately 25 kilometres east of Wad Madani. Shabarqa acts as a critical RSF stronghold, safeguarding the eastern approach to Wad Madani. Its destruction could potentially open a path towards the Hantoub Bridge on the Blue Nile.

According to local sources, the airstrikes targeted agricultural fields near Shabarqa, where RSF elements are reportedly stationed. The Sudanese army reportedly seeks to capture Shabarqa and push further towards Wad Madani across the Hantoub Bridge.

This escalation follows yesterday's (May 4th) reports of the RSF targeting Sudanese army positions in Al-Faw with heavy artillery, causing casualties but failing to dislodge the advancing army.

The RSF seized control of Wad Madani in December 2023 and has since expanded southward into the outskirts of Sennar State.

RSF maintains control of key locations in Khartoum city

In the capital, Khartoum, the Sudanese army continued artillery bombardments targeting RSF positions in Khartoum Bahri and central Khartoum throughout the night of May 4th and into the morning of May 5th. Smoke plumes were observed rising from the centre of Khartoum Bahri and the Doroshab suburb north of Khartoum Bahri.

Since the outbreak of hostilities in April 2023, the RSF has maintained control over most areas within Khartoum and Khartoum Bahri, while the army retains its main headquarters in both cities.

The situation remains tense in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State. The RSF continues to lay siege to the city, which houses hundreds of thousands of internally displaced persons. All major roads connecting El Fasher to other parts of Sudan remain closed.

Since late 2023, the RSF has successfully taken control of army garrisons in four out of five Darfur state capitals: El Geneina, Zalingei, Nyala, and El Daein. Only El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, remains under army control.