Sudanese army says it retakes key cities in Al Jazirah state

The Sudanese army said it has made significant gains in Al Jazirah state, recapturing three key cities - Tambool, Rufa'a, and Al-Hasahisa - from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

This development comes after the "Shield of Sudan" forces, a paramilitary group allied with the army, briefly held the cities in January.¹

According to Brigadier Abadi Al-Tahir, a commander in the Sudanese army, the movement and Shield of Sudan forces successfully liberated Rufa'a and Al-Hasahisa.

Al-Tahir vowed to pursue the RSF "to the last location in Sudan," stating that the militia has "completely collapsed."

The recapture of these cities allows the army to control all urban areas in eastern Al Jazirah, enabling them to advance towards the eastern bank of the Nile and link up with forces there.

This strategic move aims to tighten the noose around the RSF in areas east of the Nile in Khartoum Bahri.

The conflict between the army and the RSF, which began in April 2023, has resulted in a humanitarian crisis and displaced millions. The Sudanese army's recent gains may mark a significant turning point in the conflict.