Key facts
- The Sudanese Rapid Support Forces (RSF) renewed its assault on al-Obeid on Wednesday.
- Drone and land attacks were stepped up across Sudan this week.
- Witnesses reported drone strikes in the capital Khartoum, Atbara, and Bahri.
- Two people were killed and others injured in al-Obeid due to drone attacks.
- The RSF has recently faced losses on several fronts in its conflict with the Sudanese army.
The Sudanese Rapid Support Forces (RSF) renewed its assault on the strategically important city of al-Obeid on Wednesday, while also intensifying drone and land attacks across the country this week, according to witnesses. These actions follow recent setbacks for the RSF in its ongoing conflict with the Sudanese army, a war that began in April 2023 and has led to a severe humanitarian crisis.
Witnesses in al-Obeid reported eight drone strikes on Wednesday, prompting the army's air defenses to engage. Medical sources indicated that two people were killed and others injured. Drone strikes were also reported in the capital Khartoum, Atbara, and Bahri, marking the first such attacks since May. In Bahri, a drone crashed into a mosque's courtyard. The RSF has not claimed responsibility for these attacks, and the Sudanese army has not yet issued a comment. Reuters was unable to immediately verify the origin of the drones.
Al-Obeid has previously endured drone attacks and siege tactics from the RSF, leading to severe shortages of power, fuel, food, and water. The city is currently estimated to house half a million inhabitants, including approximately 100,000 individuals displaced by the conflict. Despite a recent pause in the RSF's assault under international pressure, both sides have reportedly amassed forces in the Kordofan region, increasing the likelihood of renewed clashes.
The RSF maintains control over the Darfur region and has begun establishing a parallel government there. In contrast, the army controls most of eastern Sudan and is working to legitimize its government through a national dialogue. Recent army gains have been noted in Kordofan, Blue Nile state, and West Darfur state. Following these losses, RSF chief Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, vowed to intensify attacks and advance towards Khartoum. On Tuesday, the RSF claimed to have captured the town of Geissan in Blue Nile state, an assertion that the army had not commented on, though local authorities accused the RSF of attacking farmers.