The Sudanese army announced on Monday that it had successfully broken the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) siege on its garrison in al-Aylafun, a town located 30 km (19 miles) east of Khartoum.
The RSF had overrun al-Aylafun in October 2023, forcing thousands of residents to flee. The paramilitary group faced accusations of looting homes, shops, and civilian vehicles, as well as arresting dozens of people.
Despite being cut off from supplies, the army’s Corps of Engineers base in the area managed to withstand repeated RSF attacks.
Commander Abu Aqla Keikel of the Sudan Shield Forces, an army-allied group, confirmed in a video that his forces—alongside an intelligence unit and another army contingent—had successfully linked up with the al-Aylafun garrison, effectively ending the siege.
Keikel further revealed that the army now plans to advance towards the Soba Bridge, a strategic crossing connecting eastern Khartoum to the city center, where RSF forces remain heavily deployed.
The army and its allies have also regained control of the al-Asaylat, Um Daw Ban, and al-Aylafun areas in Khartoum State’s East Nile locality.
Since January 31, military operations have intensified in al-Jazira state, with the army capturing Rufaa, Tamboul, and surrounding villages. Their control now extends to the outskirts of al-Kamilin, strengthening their position in the northern part of the state.
