Map: Battle looms as Sudan army advances on Khartoum
SAF makes rapid gains north, south, and east of capital
The Rapid Support Forces’ control over Khartoum has never looked more precarious, as the Sudanese Armed Forces are now threatening it from multiple directions, making particularly rapid gains over the past few days south and southeast of the city.
After capturing the capital of Jazira State south of Khartoum a month ago, the SAF has continued its advance along the Blue Nile, clearing towns and villages throughout the northern part of the state and into southern Khartoum State (on the east bank).
The RSF have fought a rearguard action, occasionally clashing with SAF to stall their advance. But the RSF have not meaningfully slowed their retreat.
If anything, the RSF accelerated their withdrawal over the past three days, relinquishing control of the villages of Kamlin, Al-Tekaina, Al-Eilafon, Abu Gurun, Um Dawaban, and others. Yesterday, the SAF reached within 5-6 km of the Soba Bridge, just south of the sprawling East Nile suburb of Khartoum.
The rapid SAF advance has stoked widespread speculation that the RSF could withdraw from Khartoum altogether, and that the battle for the city may be in its final days. But if they decide to fight street-by-street, the battle could be far from over.
Presently, the RSF have halted their retreat at the Giad Industrial City—a sprawling complex of factories and warehouses 45 km southeast of central Khartoum—and this may be a place where they will make a stand.