Sudanese Army Regains Control of Key Market in Omdurman from RSF
The Sudanese army has retaken control of Souq Libya, a major market in Omdurman, from the RSF as part of its offensive to regain the capital region. This victory follows the army’s reclaiming of significant locations, including the presidential palace and airport. Despite these gains, the RSF still retains control in certain areas, with millions displaced since the conflict began.
The Sudanese army announced on Saturday its successful takeover of a major market in Omdurman, a city adjacent to Khartoum. This area has been used by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for launching assaults. This takeover is part of the army’s broader offensive aimed at regaining control of the entire capital region, which includes Khartoum, Omdurman, and Bahri, three cities divided by the River Nile.
Earlier in the month, the army had reclaimed significant sites like the presidential palace on March 21 and the war-damaged airport, signaling a significant shift in control in the capital. According to army spokesman Nabil Abdullah, the forces now have full control of Souq Libya in Omdurman and have confiscated weapons and equipment abandoned by the fleeing RSF.
Souq Libya, known for being one of the largest markets in Khartoum, had been a stronghold for the RSF and served as a base for attacks since the conflict with the army began on April 15, 2023. While the army has substantial control over Omdurman, the RSF still maintains a presence, particularly in the Ombada district to the west.
On Thursday, the military confirmed that operations in Khartoum had eradicated the last remaining RSF strongholds in the city. The conflict in Sudan started nearly two years ago due to power struggles between the army and the RSF, a paramilitary group that had previously been allied with the army.
According to the United Nations, over 3.5 million residents have fled Khartoum since the war’s inception, while remaining civilians are often trapped among wrecked vehicles and abandoned buildings. The ongoing conflict has divided Sudan significantly, with the army controlling eastern and northern regions and the RSF dominating Darfur in the west and parts of the southern area.
The Sudanese army’s recent capture of Omdurman’s Souq Libya marks a pivotal victory in their offensive to regain control over the capital region from the RSF. Despite reclaiming key areas, the RSF continues to occupy parts of Omdurman, indicating that the conflict remains ongoing. The humanitarian impact is severe, with millions displaced and living in dire conditions as the war continues to reshape Sudan.
Original Source: www.france24.com
