Sudan’s Civil War: Can the Army’s Offensive in Khartoum Shift the Balance?
In September 2023, the Sudanese Armed Forces launched a significant offensive in Khartoum against the Rapid Support Forces, marking a critical turn in the civil war that began in April 2023. The SAF’s strategic gains include control over key infrastructure, aiming to bolster its position politically and militarily. This offensive represents a vital moment in the conflict, while the humanitarian crisis continues to escalate amid ongoing combat.
In late September 2023, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) initiated its largest military offensive since the civil war erupted, targeting locations controlled by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the capital, Khartoum. This new phase of the conflict, which began in April 2023, represents a significant shift in the power dynamics as the SAF has successfully seized control of strategic bridges and is advancing into contested areas. Notably, this offensive includes efforts to surround the Jaili oil refinery, now cut off by army forces, signaling a tactical advantage for the SAF. The SAF’s push aims to secure a foothold in the capital to enhance both political morale and operational capabilities. The army’s operational strategy appears to focus on cutting off RSF supply lines while cautiously expanding their control, recently connecting various military bases they had previously besieged. With renewed military equipment and support from regional allies, the SAF has begun to reclaim territory in Khartoum, marking a potential turning point in the conflict. While the SAF’s advances in Khartoum have captured significant attention, the challenge remains to sustain this momentum amid ongoing skirmishes and counterattacks from the RSF. As both factions continue vying for control, the situation in other regions such as El Fasher in Darfur and Gezira state also remains volatile, where RSF has made recent gains. The humanitarian crisis has intensified, with critical conditions further deteriorating, underscoring the dire need for strategic resolutions amidst the ongoing conflict.
The Sudanese civil war, which began in April 2023, has led to significant territorial control shifts primarily between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). While the RSF gained control of most of Khartoum early in the conflict, the recent SAF offensive has altered the situation on the ground. The SAF’s strategic assault includes targeting key infrastructure and surrounding territories critical to the RSV’s supply chains. The conflict progresses with both sides adjusting tactics, acquiring new military assets, and experiencing shifts in alliances as they seek to maintain or expand their control across various fronts.
In summary, the SAF’s recent offensive in Khartoum indicates a potential shift in the dynamics of Sudan’s ongoing civil war. As the army makes notable territorial gains and encircles key assets, the sustainability of these advances remains uncertain amid ongoing hostilities. The humanitarian implications of this intensifying conflict underscore an urgent need for resolutions to restore stability and address the dire conditions faced by civilians in Sudan.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
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