A dam located south of Khartoum has suffered damage in the midst of a seven-month war in Sudan. Both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have pointed the finger at each other for the strike that caused the damage.
While the extent of the damage to the Jebel Aulia Dam is still uncertain, it poses a serious threat of major flooding in the White Nile. This incident follows recent strikes that damaged a bridge in Khartoum and a crucial oil depot, with both forces pointing likewise blaming each other.
Recently, fighting has intensified in the impoverished Jebel Awlia area, leading to the displacement of thousands of people. The RSF had previously announced the capture of an army base in the region.
Reports from a local volunteer group indicate that civilians have been killed in raids by the Rapid Support Forces, as well as in the crossfire between the army and the RSF. Due to damage to the telecom networks, it has been challenging to obtain accurate casualty figures.
The conflict in Khartoum began in April due to tensions between General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, commander of the SAF and head of Sudan's Transitional Sovereignty Council, and his former deputy, Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, commander of the Rapid Support Forces. The disagreement centered around the integration of their forces during the transition to democracy.
Since, the RSF has gained control over most of the capital, Khartoum, and has been expanding its presence further south. Additionally, it has managed to assert control over the majority of the western Darfur region.