Sudanese army pushes westward in Omdurman, clashes Erupt in Umbada

March 26, 2024 (UMBADA) – The Sudanese army continued its offensive in western Omdurman, seizing control of the Doha neighbourhood and areas near Souk Libya area, the city’s largest market. After two months of intense fighting, the army regained most of old Omdurman from the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

On March 12th, the army captured the headquarters of the state media, further tightening its grip on the city. A military spokesperson confirmed the army’s intention to retake all Umbada locality under RSF control.

The offensive involves two army contingents: the “Martyr Mutawakkil” and the “Malla,” which includes mobilized personnel from Umbada. The spokesperson detailed the capture of strategic areas such as lanes 1, 2, 4, and 18, the Hamad Al-Nil area, and Umbada Street.

Fierce clashes erupted in western Omdurman on Tuesday as the army battled for control of the Doha suburb. Military sources claim heavy casualties were inflicted on the RSF, exceeding 30 dead, with numerous wounded and captured.

Army forces, supported by the Justice and Equality Movement’s 10th Battalion, continued their westward push towards the outskirts of Souk Libya market. This key market, a stronghold for the RSF, has been heavily fortified and reportedly used as a centre for selling looted goods and mobilizing fighters from western Sudan.

Meanwhile, tensions escalated in Umbada’s Al-Hawawir neighborhood. The RSF, accusing residents of supporting the army, opened fire on a group leaving a mosque, killing three civilians. This was followed by a wave of arrests, with over 15 young men detained and residents subjected to intimidation tactics.

Further north in Kadaro, the Sudanese army continued its assault on RSF vehicles, reportedly destroying eight on Tuesday and capturing a transport vehicle. Artillery fire also targeted a hideout of a senior RSF commander, resulting in his death with his associates.

Earlier this week, the army successfully cut off a vital supply line by closing the Al-Jaili-Al-Kadaro road. The RSF previously used this road to transport fuel from the Khartoum refinery to its forces in the Bahri area. The closure effectively isolates RSF units in the refinery from their counterparts in Bahri.

(ST)