Fighting intensified in El Fasher, the capital of Sudan’s North Darfur, on Thursday as Sudanese military and allied forces clashed with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Both factions engaged with heavy artillery, and military airstrikes were reported across the city.
Witnesses reported that early morning artillery fire was exchanged between the army’s positions in western El Fasher and RSF targets located in the south and east. The Sudanese military conducted multiple bombing runs, dropping more than 25 explosive barrels over RSF-held areas in eastern El Fasher, resulting in explosions and dense clouds of smoke.
RSF social media shared footage that appeared to show its forces advancing south and allegedly capturing the state police headquarters. However, a police source clarified that the video depicted an emergency police station assaulted on Wednesday, where a police colonel was killed. The source confirmed that main police headquarters across El Fasher remain under military control.
The hostilities reflect a renewed escalation in the conflict that began in May, with the RSF repeatedly attempting to seize El Fasher, a key government-controlled stronghold in Darfur. The continuing violence has led to significant civilian displacement, with residents fleeing to nearby Jebel Marra mountains to escape the fighting.
