The Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces on Saturday pointed fingers at each other, attributing blame for a strike that inflicted damage to a bridge over the Jebel Awlia dam, located south of Khartoum.
The full extent of the damage to the dam remained uncertain, but significant harm to the dam raised concerns about potential severe flooding of the White Nile. Over the past few weeks, strikes have inflicted damage on a bridge in the capital Khartoum and an essential oil depot.
Both forces have similarly accused each other for these strikes.
Intense fighting has persisted in the Jebel Awlia area over the past few days, affecting an impoverished district in the southern region of Khartoum state and leading to the displacement of thousands. Earlier this month, the RSF (Rapid Support Forces) declared that they had taken control of an army base in this area.
According to statements from the local volunteer group operating as an “emergency room,” civilians lost their lives during raids conducted by the Rapid Support Forces. Additionally, casualties occurred due to crossfire between the army and RSF as both sides exchanged artillery fire in the area.
Obtaining precise figures has proven challenging due to disruptions in the telecom networks caused by the ongoing situation.
Conflict erupted in Khartoum in April amid heightened tensions between the army and Rapid Support Forces regarding the consolidation of their forces during the transitional phase toward democracy.
Since that time, the RSF has gained control over the majority of the ground in the capital Khartoum and has continued its expansion towards the south.
At the same time, it has successfully established authority over a significant portion of the western Darfur region. Analysts suggest that the group has been gaining momentum in its endeavor to solidify control over as much territory as feasible, enhancing its position in the ongoing peace negotiations.