The Sudanese army seized control of the eastern side of the Manshia Bridge in Khartoum on Tuesday, marking a significant advance against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
In a statement, the army confirmed that its forces had regained control of the eastern approach to the bridge, which was the last RSF-held crossing over the Blue Nile. The military also released a video showing a commander inspecting troops at the bridge’s entrance.
The army now controls nine of the key bridges connecting Khartoum’s three major cities, with the exception of the Jebel Aulia Bridge over the White Nile in southern Khartoum.
There was no immediate response from the RSF regarding the army’s claim.
The advance comes a day after the army moved into Khartoum’s East Nile district, capturing several government sites. The military has been making significant territorial gains against the RSF in recent months.
In Khartoum State, which comprises three cities, the army now holds Bahri in the north, most of Omdurman in the west, and approximately 75% of Khartoum city, including key sites such as the presidential palace and the international airport. However, the RSF still controls parts of the eastern and southern neighborhoods of the capital.
Sudan has been engulfed in war between the army and the RSF since April 2023, with devastating humanitarian consequences. According to the UN and local authorities, the conflict has claimed over 20,000 lives and displaced 14 million people. However, research from U.S. universities estimates the death toll to be as high as 130,000.
