Sudan Army Engaged in Fierce Battle with RSF over Oil Refinery Control
Intense fighting continues in Sudan as the army battles the RSF over the al-Jili oil refinery. Clashes have erupted in el-Fasher, and ongoing violence has caused significant displacement. With increasing tensions, South Sudan also feels the effects of the conflict, imposing social media restrictions after violent protests.
Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are in intense combat over the al-Jili oil refinery, located north of Khartoum. The Sudanese military reported progress towards this strategically vital site following a multi-faceted offensive. Witness accounts described heavy smoke enveloping the skies, alongside social media posts showing the army asserting control over the town’s entrance.
The situation is also escalating in el-Fasher, where the RSF had previously issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the army to vacate. Upon the ultimatum’s expiration, the army reportedly initiated airstrikes targeting RSF positions, leading to violent clashes in various areas. Both entities are utilizing heavy weaponry in the conflicts.
Since the onset of conflict in April 2023, a bitter rivalry exists between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo, displacing around 12 million individuals. Accusations of war crimes emerge from both sides, with claims of intentional attacks against civilians resulting in extensive casualties.
According to the UNHCR, over one million people have fled Sudan due to the ongoing war, largely seeking refuge in South Sudan. The situation complicates as South Sudanese authorities restrict social media access following unrest prompted by reports of violence involving Sudanese military actions against their nationals.
The unrest in South Sudan has resulted in several fatalities, fueling tensions between the two nations. Internet service providers received official orders to suspend social media access, a measure aimed at curtailing the potential for further violence as the situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate.
Since April 2023, Sudan has been engulfed in conflict primarily due to a power struggle between the Sudanese army and the RSF. This civil strife has led to significant human displacement and turmoil, affecting both Sudan and neighboring South Sudan. The humanitarian crisis has escalated, with accusations of war crimes and violence reported extensively. As numerous citizens flee the violence, the international community grows increasingly concerned about the regional implications of this conflict.
The ongoing battles over control of the al-Jili oil refinery illustrate the severe volatility within Sudan, as the army seeks to reassert dominance amidst rising tensions with the RSF. The humanitarian impact of this conflict is profound, with millions displaced and neighboring nations like South Sudan experiencing repercussions from the unrest, which include social unrest and governmental restrictions on communication.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
