Reports from the capital, Khartoum, describe a sharp escalation in fighting between the Sudanese army and the Emergency Response Forces, a confrontation that has unsettled residents and drawn international attention. Eyewitness accounts and local officials indicate a rapidly shifting security landscape, with roads and bridges around the city disrupted and military movements increasing in frequency and scale. The clash has implications for the broader capital region, including neighboring Omdurman, where authorities indicated severe restrictions on vehicular traffic and civilian movement as a precautionary step amid ongoing hostilities. This description comes from ongoing briefings and situational updates provided by multiple channels as the situation develops.
Authorities reported a closure of the bridge that links Khartoum with Omdurman, a critical artery for daily life and commerce. The halt on vehicle movement effectively partitions parts of the metropolitan area, complicating efforts to deliver aid, evacuate civilians, and maintain essential municipal operations. Observers note that such closures are part of a broader security posture intended to contain clashes and limit the risk of harm to noncombatants.
During the unrest, there were preliminary reports about the safety of international diplomatic staff in Khartoum, including Russian nationals. The embassy and consular officials have not released definitive casualty figures, and diplomats have urged quiet vigilance and calm as the crisis unfolds. The evolving situation has prompted consular services to reassess travel advisories and shelter-in-place recommendations for nationals in the area.
Earlier developments included the suspension of air operations at Khartoum International Airport, as clashes intensified near key military and civilian facilities. The halt in arrivals and departures has disrupted both humanitarian and commercial air traffic, compounding the city’s already fragile logistics and supply chains. Air traffic controllers and airport authorities were working under the pressure of rapidly changing security guidance as fighters positioned themselves in close proximity to critical infrastructure.
Reported sounds of heavy gunfire and artillery were audible from the vicinity of a Rapid Reaction Forces camp located within Khartoum, according to multiple wire services. The presence of such units near urban centers underscores the high-stakes nature of the confrontation and the potential for collateral damage, displacement, and heightened humanitarian needs in coming hours. Observers stressed the importance of verifiable, on-the-ground reporting to assess risk levels for civilians and responders.
In a statement from the Emergency Response Force, there was confirmation that the group had established control over key aviation hubs in Khartoum and Merowe — including strategic airfields that had previously enabled regional mobility and logistics. The claim of seized airports signals a significant shift in the operational landscape and raises questions about the ability of government and civilian authorities to maintain essential services, fuel supply, and medical evacuation routes during the ongoing disruption. The situation remains fluid, with authorities and international observers urging precaution and orderly conduct as events continue to evolve.