Following a major ground offensive, the Sudanese army announced on Thursday that it had made significant progress in both Omdurman, the country’s twin city, and Khartoum. This was part of a larger effort to regain control of the two cities after months of fighting with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Backed by airstrikes and artillery fire, army infantry units crossed Nile River bridges early Thursday morning from Omdurman into Khartoum and Khartoum Bahri, according to military sources who spoke to Sudanese Journal.
The sources reported that the army had secured new positions in both towns, including key locations in Khartoum Bahri and at major exits.
Although the RSF remained entrenched in certain areas, such as the Zain Tower in central Khartoum, the army reportedly advanced on the Fitihab and Medical Corps bridge axes between Omdurman and Khartoum.
The RSF denied any significant progress by the army and claimed to have repelled attempts to cross the bridges, even as the army took control of additional areas in Khartoum and Khartoum Bahri.
RSF fighters shared footage online, showing them in central Khartoum. Meanwhile, the army announced plans for more operations in the coming days after securing bridge crossings for further offensives.
Independent verification of claims from either side was not possible at this time.
Thursday’s attacks marked the first major military activity in Khartoum since the fighting between the army and RSF began in April 2023, leading to a humanitarian crisis and the displacement of millions.