Sudanese Army Regains Control of Umm Rawaba
The Sudanese army announced on Thursday that it has successfully recaptured the strategic city of Umm Rawaba in North Kordofan from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This city had been under the control of the RSF since May 2023, marking a significant shift in the ongoing conflict in the region. The army described the operation as a cleansing of Umm Rawaba, which plays a crucial role in connecting North Kordofan to central Sudan.
Umm Rawaba, the second-largest city in North Kordofan, is located approximately 480 kilometers (298 miles) southwest of Khartoum, making it a pivotal point for military and logistical movements. The recapture of this city underscores the army’s strategic efforts to regain lost territories amid a conflict that has escalated since April 2023 between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his former ally, RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Daglo.
Ongoing Conflict in Sudan
Sudan has been engulfed in a fierce power struggle, particularly between the forces loyal to al-Burhan and those of Daglo. This conflict has resulted in widespread violence and instability, impacting the lives of countless civilians. The recent military success in Umm Rawaba is part of a broader campaign to reclaim territories that have fallen into the hands of the RSF.
In conjunction with the recapture of Umm Rawaba, military sources reported progress in Khartoum North, known as Bahri. The army stated that it regained full control over central and southern Bahri, including a vital bridge linking it to central Khartoum. This progress indicates a shift in the balance of power within the capital, which has seen intense fighting since the war’s outbreak.
Significant Military Advances
The Sudanese army’s recent victories extend beyond Umm Rawaba. Just last week, it broke the siege of its headquarters in Khartoum, which had been under threat from the RSF since the conflict began. This operation culminated in the reclaiming of the General Command, marking the army’s most notable achievement in the capital since it took back Omdurman, the city located directly across the Nile River nearly a year ago.
In addition to these key victories, the army also retook control of Wad Madani earlier this month. This city, located south of Khartoum, is crucial for securing a major crossroads that connects the capital with neighboring states. Such successes suggest a renewed momentum for the Sudanese army in its battle against paramilitary forces.
