The Sudanese military reclaimed control of the town of Jariwa in southeastern Blue Nile state on Tuesday, driving out the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in a significant victory amidst escalating battles between the two factions in Khartoum.
The military confirmed it had “liberated” Jariwa, which had fallen into RSF hands in late June when the paramilitary force overran large parts of Sennar state, including its capital Sinjah, before advancing into Blue Nile state.
For months, RSF forces have maintained a blockade around Blue Nile state, including its capital Al-Damazin, exacerbating a humanitarian crisis as critical supply routes from Sennar were cut off. Prices of essential goods have skyrocketed due to the restrictions.
In its statement, the Sudanese army reported inflicting heavy casualties on RSF fighters in Jariwa, forcing the remaining troops to retreat. Jariwa, located in the Al-Tadamon district, lies near the borders of Al-Dali and Al-Mazmum districts of Sennar state.
At the same time, fierce fighting continued in Khartoum, where witnesses described renewed hostilities in the central Al-Mugran area. Both the Sudanese army and RSF engaged in intense exchanges of fire, with military aircraft seen circling overhead.
The army has managed to secure strategic sites, including the Al-Silaah Al-Tibbi bridge, Nile Tower, Hilton Hotel, and Al-Mugran gardens, as it pushes towards central Khartoum. However, RSF snipers have slowed the army’s advance toward key government locations such as the presidential palace, army headquarters, and other vital buildings.
On Tuesday, army units released footage showing the aftermath of battles on Nile Street in Khartoum, including destroyed RSF tanks.
The current offensive by the Sudanese army began on September 26, aiming to retake control of Khartoum and Bahri (Khartoum North). Military forces have advanced from their positions in northern and southern Omdurman toward contested areas such as Al-Halfaya, Al-Kadru, and Al-Droushab, as well as RSF-occupied zones in central Khartoum.