Sudanese army repels RSF attack on Sennar, triggering mass displacement

June 25, 2024 (SENNAR) – Fierce battles erupted on the northern outskirts of Sennar, southeastern Sudan, on Tuesday, as the Sudanese army clashed with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The fighting triggered panic among residents, leading to a mass exodus from the city towards neighbouring areas.

The RSF launched an assault on the army defensive positions approximately seven kilometres north of Sennar, with artillery shells raining down on the Sennar Altakatoa neighbourhood. Military personnel advised residents to evacuate the area as the fighting drew closer to the city, located roughly 300 kilometres south of Khartoum.

These clashes followed a 24-hour offensive by the RSF on the strategic Jabal Moya area, situated on the national highway connecting the states of Sennar, Al Jazirah, and White Nile.

Ammar Hassan, spokesperson for the Popular Resistance aligned with the Sudanese army, confirmed on Facebook that the Jabal Moya area had fallen to the RSF after sustained battles in which the army “exerted great effort.”

Local sources informed Sudan Tribune that the clashes in Sennar were part of an attempt by the RSF to seize control of the state. However, the army successfully repelled the attack, driving the RSF seven kilometres outside the city.

Residents reported heavy traffic congestion on routes leading south towards Singa, some 45 kilometres away, as well as a wave of displacement towards areas east of Sennar.

In response to the escalating situation, Sennar Governor Tufiq Mohamed released a video statement on social media, refuting claims that the city had fallen to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). He affirmed the determination of regular forces and allied volunteer groups to defend the historic capital of the Sennar Kingdom.

The governor acknowledged the RSF’s attempts to breach the city, confirming that seven of their vehicles had entered the city limits and fired three shells, causing widespread alarm and panic amongst residents.

He emphasised that the attacking vehicles were swiftly neutralised, thanks to the combined efforts of the army, security services, mobilised volunteers, and other regular forces, ensuring the restoration of calm within the city.

Meanwhile, the Jabal Moya area experienced a mass exodus of residents fleeing towards Sennar city, located approximately 25 kilometres southeast, following widespread looting by RSF elements in the region’s villages.

It’s worth noting that the RSF declared control over Jabal Moya areas in Sennar State on Tuesday morning, following intense clashes with the army. However, the army has yet to comment on the battles that occurred in Jabal Moya and on the outskirts of Sennar city.

The ongoing military operations between the army and RSF in Jabal Moya have led to the closure of the Sennar-Rabak road for the second consecutive day, halting the movement of commercial vehicles and passenger transport.

Jabal Moya, a mountain range encompassing several villages, holds a strategic position linking the states of Sennar, White Nile, and Al Jazirah. The mountain range lies roughly 30 kilometres north of Sennar city.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).