The Sudanese army has deployed reinforcements to the al-Tamtam area on the Northern Lifeline road following an attack by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This marks the first such assault on Northern State since April’s attack on Merowe Airport.
On Sunday, the Sudanese military responded to an attack by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the al-Tamtam region, located along the Northern Lifeline road. This incident is significant as it represents the first RSF assault on the Northern State since their attack on Merowe Airport earlier in April.
The RSF assault on al-Tamtam, a strategically important area, was met with resistance from both army forces and reservists. Witnesses reported that five RSF fighters were killed during the clashes before the Sudanese armed forces and their allies conducted a sweep of the area. After the confrontation, the RSF forces retreated into the desert.
In response to the attack, the army bolstered its presence in the area by sending additional reinforcements, including reservists, to secure the Northern Lifeline road and prevent further incursions into the Northern State. Local authorities and residents are on high alert as tensions between the army and the RSF continue to rise.
The Northern Entity, a political group representing local interests, condemned the RSF attack and issued a stern warning. They stated that the northern region is off-limits to the RSF, calling any further attempts to invade a direct challenge to their sovereignty.
The RSF’s attempt to expand its military presence in the north follows growing calls from its supporters on social media to launch new offensives in Sudan’s northern states. Tensions had already been escalating in the region, with the RSF’s movement of troops to Merowe Airport in April serving as a major point of contention between the army and RSF. The conflict over the airport led to fierce battles, but the army was able to regain control after the RSF temporarily seized it.
The situation in Sudan remains fluid as both sides prepare for further confrontations in the ongoing conflict.