Al-Burhan visits Omdurman after Sudanese army’s advancement

February 17, 2024 (OMDURMAN) – Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan visited the Wadi Saydna military region north of Omdurman on Friday night following the break of the siege on the Corps of Engineers, a key development in the ongoing conflict between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The spokesman of the Sudanese army said al-Burah’s visit was aimed at inspecting troops and reviewing the progress of ongoing operations.

Accompanied by Ahmed Ibrahim Mufaddal, the Director of the General Intelligence Service, he was received by his aide Lt Gen Yasir al-Atta and regional commanders.

“This visit came on the heels of the Armed Forces’ successful completion of the first phase of operations,” read the statement referring to the break of the siege on the Corps of Engineers in southern Omdurman on Friday.

“During the visit, he was briefed on the progress of operations and commended the forces for their achievements on the ground,” further added the statement.

The conflict between the army and paramilitary forces commenced in Khartoum on April 15, 2023, quickly spreading to include the Darfur region and Kordofan. Apart from Khartoum, the RSF took control of Al-Jazirah State in December of the previous year.

Video clips circulated depicting the arrival of army forces from the Karari area, north of Omdurman, to the Corps of Engineers, which had been under siege by the RSF in the south- of Omdurman since mid-April.

The clips also showcased trucks transporting supplies and food from the Wadi Saydna military area, north of Omdurman, to the Corps of Engineers. This base had faced difficulties in receiving supplies since the commencement of the war.

The Corps of Engineers, a crucial stronghold, had been under siege by the RSF since April of the previous year. The breakthrough represented a pivotal moment, confirming a shift in the dynamics of the conflict.

The city residents celebrated the strategic advance alongside army forces in the Al-Thawra suburb and other areas of Omdurman.

Despite this development, the RSF still maintain control over radio and television buildings, as well as portions of the Umbada district in the west and Al-Fatihab and Al-Salha in the south.

(ST)