The Liberation of Al-Hajj Abdullah: The Army Nears Wad Madani

The Sudanese army has unsettled the rebel militias in Al-Jazirah state with a sweeping attack from all directions. By leaking information about the Sudan Shield Forces’ supposed movement toward Umm Qurra, the army compelled the militias to withdraw several soldiers to reinforce their eastern front near Umm Qurra. However, by morning, the militias were taken by surprise as the army advanced from every direction, leaving them confused and disorganized, ultimately resulting in their collapse.

The Sennar Axis quickly capitalized on the militias’ disarray. By dawn, the militias found themselves encircled by advancing armies, unsure of where to flee. The army successfully liberated Al-Hajj Abdullah in a four-hour battle that inflicted significant losses on the militias in both personnel and equipment, seizing nine vehicles and destroying 12 others. The army continued its advance, securing the Sabe’ Dileeb area and positioning itself just a few villages away from Wad Madani, specifically near Al-Shakabat.

Forces advancing from Al-Shayqab seized control of Mahla and Kamar Al-Ja’aliyyin, now engaged in battles near Bika. This axis aims to cut off the militias’ supply lines between Wad Madani and Al-Hassahisa.

The eastern front, led by the Fao Axis, captured the Rama area and is advancing toward the Hantoub Bridge. Meanwhile, the Sudan Shield Forces are progressing from the Umm Qurra Axis, liberating several villages and engaging in fierce battles on the outskirts of Umm Qurra.

According to reports, intense clashes are ongoing in Umm Qurra, where Sudan Shield Forces control the eastern neighborhoods while militias remain in the western parts. In a statement on Wednesday, the Sudan Shield Forces reaffirmed their determination to defeat the militias and reach Wad Madani, claiming to have inflicted heavy losses on the militias while mourning several martyrs of their own.

Simultaneously, the army launched a significant operation, capturing Kamar Al-Ja’aliyyin and Bridge 57 near Al-Housh. This maneuver resulted in the junction of the Managil and Sennar armies, marking a decisive step toward liberating Wad Madani.

The army executed all these maneuvers and plans in a relatively short timeframe. The militias suffered not only heavy human and material losses but also lost control of Al-Hajj Abdullah, which served as a defensive shield for Wad Madani. The militias now only retain a weak outpost in the Acacia Forest, which is geographically and numerically inadequate to defend a city the size of Madani.

Analysts predict that the southern axis will achieve a critical breakthrough in the coming hours, securing the Shakabat area, thereby paving the way for a direct approach to Wad Madani. Once the southern axis links with the Managil forces, the road to the city will be wide open.

Furthermore, analysts highlight that all the axes surrounding Wad Madani are auxiliary forces supporting the main army advancing from the Sennar Axis. Unlike other fronts, the Sennar Axis has its rear fully secured, while the eastern front remains exposed to militia activity in Tamboul, Rufaa, and East Nile areas. Similarly, the western front risks a militia counterattack from Abu Quta, Al-Qutaynah, or Jabal Awliya.

The army’s success in Sennar, particularly with the liberation of Al-Hajj Abdullah, has significantly weakened the militias’ stronghold, inching closer to liberating Wad Madani. This disarray within the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Al-Jazirah state will likely prevent them from regrouping before realizing they have not only lost Wad Madani but also their primary force, which they could have used to reinforce their positions in Khartoum.

The destruction of the RSF’s power in Al-Jazirah state means the RSF in Khartoum will remain isolated without reinforcements. Already suffering defeats in Bahri, Omdurman, and Khartoum, the liberation of Al-Jazirah state will inevitably lead to the eventual liberation of Khartoum, even if delayed.