The Sudanese Air Force launched airstrikes today, Thursday, targeting positions of the Rapid Support Forces, which responded with ground anti-aircraft fire. The bombardment occurred in eastern Khartoum, around Sixty Street, and the East Nile area. According to eyewitnesses, heavy weapon clashes were heard south of Omdurman.
The fighting that occurred on Thursday morning constitutes a breach of the recent ceasefire declared by both warring parties. During the ceasefire, the army executed air sorties on Thursday morning and Wednesday evening, targeting positions of the Rapid Support Forces around the vicinity of the Halfaya Bridge in north Bahri, and in Omdurman in the areas of Ombada, Wad al-Bashir, Al-Arda Street, and the popular market.
Clashes were also reported in the city of Zalingei, Central Darfur, with reports indicating that the Rapid Support Forces have gained control over vast and strategic areas. The Governor of North Darfur, Nimir Abdel-Rahman, announced from El Fasher that an agreement to cease hostilities was reached with the presence of local administrations, security agencies, and both parties to the conflict, hoping that this model can be implemented in the other troubled states of the region.
In the meantime, the International Committee of the Red Cross announced that it mediated the release of 125 Sudanese soldiers who were detained by the Rapid Support Forces, which have been engaged in fighting against the Sudanese army since April. The committee stated that the release of the soldiers, which took place on Wednesday, was at the request of both conflict parties.
Jean-Christophe Sandoz, head of the International Committee of the Red Cross mission in Sudan, said in a statement: "We are ready to act as a neutral mediator for the release of detainees from all parties to the conflict when requested."
