Sudan’s army repulses attack on strategic base by paramilitary group

Reportedly, over a dozen soldiers were killed in the RSF attack

The paramilitary force attempted to seize control of the base in Khartoum Bahri

KHARTOUM, Sudan (AP) — Sudan's military has repelled an attack by a paramilitary force on a strategic base in Khartoum Bahri, the capital's twin city, the military said Tuesday. The attack was carried out by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group led by Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, the deputy head of Sudan's ruling military council.

The RSF is a powerful force that played a key role in the overthrow of former President Omar al-Bashir in April. However, tensions have been rising between the RSF and the military in recent months, and the attack on the base in Khartoum Bahri is the most serious incident to date.

The military said in a statement that the RSF attacked the base at around 3 a.m. local time on Tuesday. The statement said that the attackers were repelled and that the base is now under the control of the military.

The RSF has not yet commented on the attack. However, a spokesman for the group told the AP on Monday that the RSF was preparing to take action against the military.

The attack on the base in Khartoum Bahri is a major escalation in the power struggle between the military and the RSF. It is unclear what the long-term implications of the attack will be, but it is likely to further destabilize Sudan, which has been in turmoil since the overthrow of al-Bashir.