Sudan Army Launches Major Offensive in Khartoum
- The Sudanese army has launched a major offensive against the RSF in Khartoum, targeting areas lost at the start of the conflict.
- The ongoing civil war has led to a humanitarian crisis, with significant casualties and millions displaced.
- The military escalation occurs despite efforts for a ceasefire, raising concerns about the worsening situation for civilians.
Sudan's army has initiated a significant offensive against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Khartoum, marking a critical escalation in the ongoing civil war that began in April 2023. The military's actions included artillery and air strikes targeting RSF bases in the capital and surrounding areas, with reports of intense fighting and smoke rising from central Khartoum. This offensive is seen as the army's most substantial attempt in months to reclaim territory lost at the onset of the conflict. The conflict has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, with the UN estimating up to 150,000 fatalities and over 10 million people displaced. The situation has worsened due to the inability to cultivate crops, leading to fears of widespread famine. Additionally, the UN has labeled Sudan as facing the world's largest hunger crisis, with urgent calls for action to protect civilians and halt the violence. Despite ongoing US-led efforts to negotiate a ceasefire, the military escalation continues, coinciding with army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan's address at the UN General Assembly. Both the army and RSF have been accused of indiscriminately targeting civilian areas, exacerbating the humanitarian situation. Moreover, a cholera epidemic is spreading, with over 430 deaths reported in the past month, complicating the delivery of medical aid. The conflict's impact is particularly severe in densely populated regions, raising concerns about potential genocide against non-Arabs in Darfur, highlighting the urgent need for international intervention and support.