On Thursday, the Sudanese army successfully intercepted and downed several drones launched by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) targeting residential areas in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur. This latest assault, coupled with intense exchanges of artillery fire, tragically resulted in civilian casualties.
The RSF has held significant control over parts of El Fasher since April, launching a major offensive in May with the goal of capturing the city, considered the last remaining government stronghold in Darfur. Despite these persistent attacks, the Sudanese army, bolstered by allied militias, has managed to hold its defensive lines and maintain a foothold in the area.
The prolonged battle for El Fasher has left many civilians dead and forced more than half a million people to flee, seeking safety in regions like Jebel Marra and northern Sudan.
Military sources indicated that RSF drones, some armed and others for reconnaissance, targeted the southern, western, and northern sectors of El Fasher, including the army’s 6th Infantry Division base. Seven drones were intercepted and destroyed by government forces before they could cause more extensive damage.
In addition to the drone strikes, the RSF launched artillery barrages from the east, causing numerous casualties in civilian areas, including the city’s livestock market. The Sudanese army retaliated from its western base, with artillery strikes aimed at RSF positions. The city echoed with explosions as plumes of smoke rose into the sky.
The conflict escalated as an army helicopter conducted air patrols, eventually launching strikes against RSF positions in the eastern districts of Al-Kifah and Al-Jail. The RSF, supported by armored vehicles, attempted a major push into these neighborhoods near El Fasher’s main market. However, coordinated resistance from army allies and local fighters, combined with air support, forced the RSF to withdraw to the city’s outskirts.
Pro-government social media channels circulated footage of allied fighters conducting security sweeps in neighborhoods east of El Fasher’s central market.
Since late last year, the RSF has seized control over four of Darfur’s five states. However, El Fasher, as the capital of North Darfur, remains under government control, standing as a crucial defense point in the region.
