As the war that erupted in Sudan in mid-April 2023 continues, on Monday, the army accused the Rapid Support Forces of destroying part of the Halfaya Bridge in the capital, Khartoum. The official spokesperson for the armed forces stated in a Facebook post that the Rapid Support Forces caused, on Sunday evening, the destruction of "part of the Halfaya Bridge from the eastern side, which led to damage to the concrete structures." Meanwhile, the Rapid Support Forces accused the army of destroying the Halfaya Bridge to "impede their advance toward Wadi Sidna."
**Where is it located?**
The Halfaya Bridge, connecting the cities of Khartoum North and Omdurman, is one of the ten bridges that are central to the question of control. It lies in the northern part of the sprawling capital on the Nile River and is considered the largest span bridge in Sudan, measuring approximately 910 meters in length and around 27 meters in width, accommodating six lanes under normal conditions.
**Critical Strategic Importance**
The bridge holds critical strategic importance, as it allows access to the outskirts of Omdurman city and facilitates reaching the Wadi Sidna Air Base and the Sudanese Military Academy from the direction of Omdurman. It is adjacent to some of the oldest military headquarters and training camps of the Sudanese army, including the command of the 9th Airborne Division, which includes parachute, shock, and air assault troops. The military area of Karari also includes the Sirkab Mountain camp, identified as the largest stronghold of the Rapid Support Forces in Omdurman, where fierce battles occurred using heavy and light weapons. This battle, which intensified in the early hours of the conflict, resulted in a victory for the army and its control over the entire Karari military area.
**Thousands of Dead and Millions Displaced**
Since April 15, 2023, Sudan has been experiencing a war between the armed forces led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the Rapid Support Forces led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, followed by a deep humanitarian crisis. The war has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands, including up to 15,000 people in Geneina, the capital of West Darfur, according to United Nations experts. However, the total death toll remains unclear, with some estimates suggesting it could reach 150,000, as indicated by the U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan, Tom Perrieilo. Additionally, around 10 million people have been displaced within and outside the country since the fighting broke out, according to UN statistics, while the infrastructure of the country has been largely destroyed, leaving its inhabitants threatened by famine.