ALBAWABA - Later on Friday, the Sudanese Armed Forces claimed its first major advance in 10+ months of the war, regaining control of part of the city of Omdurman from the Rapid Support Forces.
The army said late on Friday that it had successfully connected its two main outposts in the city, spurring cheers among troops and local people.
The Rapid Support Forces denied that the army had moved forward. "The army has turned to propaganda because it is on the verge of defeat," a statement from the RSF media office said.
The RSF controls territories to the east of Omdurman, as well as the vast Ombada district that connects the city to the western provinces, and people claim it has snipers stationed along vital roads. Despite a two-week internet blockade, footage from the city shows people and the military celebrating.
Since April, the RSF has been fighting the army for control of Sudan, killing thousands, displacing almost 8 million people, and raising fears of starvation.
The army maintained most of its outposts in the city but did not make significant advances until the beginning of the year when citizens said that they had witnessed a sharp increase in drone usage.
This looked to aid the army's drive out of its strongholds surrounding bases in the north and south of the city, resulting in a belt of control across the length of the capital.
Residents in Omdurman, Khartoum, and other cities claim the RSF pushed people out of their houses, plundered their goods, and raped women. The United States has accused the force of crimes against humanity, war crimes, and ethnic cleansing in West Darfur state.
The army, which has carried out a large number of air attacks, is also accused of war crimes. The army and the RSF dispute the allegations. The RSF claims that renegade actors will face prosecution.
Trucks have begun to reach the Fiteihab region, where food stores have dwindled as a result of the RSF's siege of the adjoining army engineering corps facility, according to one resident.
