The Sudanese army has shifted its strategy in the ongoing battle for Khartoum, aiming to outflank the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) by advancing into the Al-Samrab neighborhood in Khartoum Bahri. This tactical maneuver avoids a direct assault on the RSF stronghold in Shambat while securing key positions to protect its rear flank.
Following weeks of deadlock, the army has solidified control over areas east of Halfaya, ensuring its positions are shielded from RSF counterattacks originating near the Nile. While progress has been made in Khartoum Bahri, fierce clashes continue in the Al-Muqran area of central Khartoum, with neither side gaining a decisive edge.
The military’s current campaign, launched on September 26, seeks to reclaim the capital, largely under RSF control since the conflict erupted on April 15, 2023. Backed by an intense air campaign, the army has conducted over 1,150 airstrikes since the war began, supported by newly acquired Iranian and Russian drones. Despite this, the RSF has demonstrated its own aerial capabilities, deploying drones in Khartoum, Darfur, and other states.
However, resource shortages and diminishing anti-aircraft activity have recently weakened RSF positions in Khartoum Bahri. Reports suggest the RSF is facing logistical challenges, including supply gaps and the withdrawal of foreign mercenaries. The army has taken advantage of this, advancing across key bridges and linking strategic positions within the capital.
Military experts caution that urban warfare requires careful, calculated movements to avoid unnecessary casualties. While the army’s strategy of securing the Al-Samrab neighborhood marks a significant step forward, prolonged inactivity could give the RSF an opportunity to regroup and counterattack.
The ongoing conflict has spotlighted the complexities of urban combat, with both sides deploying advanced weaponry. The army’s efforts to break the RSF siege of its General Command headquarters remain a priority as it works to consolidate control over Khartoum.
As the battle rages on, the outcome of the army’s revised tactics may prove critical in determining control over Sudan’s capital.
