Hundreds of fighters from Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces on Friday launched an attack on Wad Madani, a city where hundreds of thousands of people displaced by the country's war had sought shelter.
Witnesses said explosions and heavy gunfire could be heard in the city, about 190km south-east of the capital Khartoum, shortly after dawn.
Videos posted online showed dozens of SUVs belonging to the RSF heading to the city centre as army fighter jets and drones flew overhead.
"They are fighting with heavy weapons inside the city," one Wad Madani resident told The National as heavy gunfire and artillery was heard in the background.
There was no immediate comment from the army or the RSF.
The city's markets were closed and residents said they planned to remain at home to avoid being caught in the crossfire.
“Heavy artillery shells are landing at the city's south-eastern districts and I see army jets and drones flying over us and drawing heavy anti-aircraft gunfire,” Wad Madani resident Tareq Al Sheikh told The National.
“The army is deploying many men at the centre of the city. We haven't left our homes today."
Capturing Wad Madani would represent a major battlefield victory for the RSF, which has been fighting against the army since April. The conflict has displaced about six million people and created a humanitarian crisis.
The RSF has seized control of much of the capital and in recent months captured cities in the western Darfur region.
The fighting in Wad Madani comes less than a week after the two warring sides agreed to have their leaders – army chief Gen Abdel Fattah Al Burhan and RSF commander Gen Mohamed Dagalo – meet to discuss a permanent ceasefire.
The RSF said on Thursday that its deputy commander, Gen Dagalo's brother Abdel Raheem Dagalo, will represent the RSF at the talks.
Wad Madani, the capital of Al Jazirah state – Sudan's bread basket – is home to about 500,000 people displaced from Khartoum, UN figures show.
RSF fighters have recently entered areas leading to Wad Madani, setting up checkpoints along the road between the city and Khartoum.
2019 Asian Cup final
Japan v Qatar
Friday, 6pm
Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi
THREE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS
Khalfan Mubarak
The Al Jazira playmaker has for some time been tipped for stardom within UAE football, with Quique Sanchez Flores, his former manager at Al Ahli, once labelling him a “genius”. He was only 17. Now 23, Mubarak has developed into a crafty supplier of chances, evidenced by his seven assists in six league matches this season. Still to display his class at international level, though.
Rayan Yaslam
The Al Ain attacking midfielder has become a regular starter for his club in the past 15 months. Yaslam, 23, is a tidy and intelligent player, technically proficient with an eye for opening up defences. Developed while alongside Abdulrahman in the Al Ain first-team and has progressed well since manager Zoran Mamic’s arrival. However, made his UAE debut only last December.
Ismail Matar
The Al Wahda forward is revered by teammates and a key contributor to the squad. At 35, his best days are behind him, but Matar is incredibly experienced and an example to his colleagues. His ability to cope with tournament football is a concern, though, despite Matar beginning the season well. Not a like-for-like replacement, although the system could be adjusted to suit.
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
TO ALL THE BOYS: ALWAYS AND FOREVER
Directed by: Michael Fimognari
Starring: Lana Condor and Noah Centineo
Two stars
The specs: 2018 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Price, base / as tested Dh99,000 / Dh132,000
Engine 3.6L V6
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Power 275hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque 350Nm @ 3,700rpm
Fuel economy combined 12.2L / 100km
Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
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- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
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Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
Indika
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War 2
Director: Ayan Mukerji
Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana
Rating: 2/5
