Clashes continue in Sudan between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Clashes that started in the morning continue near the presidential palace, army headquarters and airport in Khartoum.
At Khartum airport, it was reflected on the cameras that smoke rose from some planes due to their damage. The Sudanese army explained the cause of the damage as RSF forces targeting a Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudi) plane.
In the statement made by the airline company, it was stated that one of the Airbus planes had an "accident" at Khartoum Airport before its planned flight to Riyadh.
While no details were given about the incident, it was reported that flights to Sudan were stopped until further notice.
In the images shared on social media, it was seen that smoke rose from 2 planes on the apron, while the passengers were stuck in the terminal.
FLIGHTS TO SAUDI ARABIA SUSPENDED
Saudi Arabia announced the suspension of flights as a result of firing on the plane, which was preparing to go to Riyadh.
"All flights to and from Sudan have been suspended until further notice," the airline said in a statement.
In the statement, it was also reported that the plane could not move due to the attack, and all the crew of the plane took shelter in the Khartoum Embassy of Saudi Arabia.
NEARLY 80 MILITARY VEHICLES DESTROYED
The Sudanese army also stated that the operations against the RSF, which it declared as "rebel", continue throughout the country, and that nearly 80 military vehicles belonging to the RSF were destroyed. The army noted that the main headquarters of the RSF in Khartoum was also hit.
Army Spokesperson Nabil Abdullah said in a statement, “We did not initiate the attack. Our troops were attacked by rebel forces. We will resist any irresponsible attempt. We regret that our country has reached this stage because of the personal ambitions of the rebel leadership. We do not see any future for our country under a disciplined military leadership, other than just an army. We wouldn't have gotten to this stage if the rebel force (RSF) had given up on its personal ambition."
WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF CONFLICT?
The tension between the army and the RSF stems from the reform that included the full integration of the RSF into the military in the "framework agreement" signed on 5 December 2022 to pave the way for the transition to civilian government and democratic elections.
The army says it will no longer tolerate the RSF to act as an independent force from the army, and Dagalo wants it to join the army immediately, while Dagalo wants this to be done with a civilian administration. RSF refuses to join the army.
(Ihlas News Agency)
