Sudan’s military pushes back rebels in second city of Omdurman

Sudan’s military forces claim to have advanced into the country’s second-largest city Omdurman, taking some areas previously controlled by rival rebel group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Fighting was reported to be raging in the city, which sits directly across the Nile River from the capital, Khartoum, for a second day on Wednesday. The army has now seized control of former RSF territories in Mansoura, Murabaat and Elfitihab, according to Hiba Morgan, Al Jazeera’s Sudan correspondent.

Fighting in #Sudan’s capital is mostly in Omdurman today, with the army taking control of former RSF territory in Mansoura, Murabaat and Elfitihab. In the past few days, RSF has used drones to try to halt or defuse the current attack in southern Omdurman. https://t.co/zLxupC1zSN

The conflict in Omdurman is a new phase of the conflict, with fighting primarily occurring in Khartoum, Darfur’s final contested state, in the sprawling western region. Millions of people have been displaced and tens of thousands of have been killed by the conflict.

Our correspondent claimed that RSF fighters have been putting drones to the test to stop the military’s gains in a social media post.

The release of three army officers from captivity was confirmed by The Sudan Tribune, who added.

It was reported that government soldiers had taken control of a flour and sugar storage facility as well as a weapons and ammunition depot owned by the RSF.

Up to 20 RSF fighters, including a commander, were killed in a special operation, according to Brigadier General Nabil Abdallah, who informed the outlet when the three officers were released.

Al Jazeera was unable to independently verify the assertion.

The military gains come after the United States determined that the RSF had “committed genocide” in Sudan and imposed sanctions on its leader, Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo.

International organizations have charged both the government and the RSF with war crimes.

Sudan has experienced the worst internal displacement crisis in the world, with the war that broke out 21 months ago forcing the country torn apart and push the country into famine.