January 22, 2025 (OMDURMAN) – The Sudanese army said Wednesday it had launched a multi-pronged attack reaching areas near the Khartoum oil refinery, 70 kilometres (43 miles) north of the capital. It is the first time the army has reported a presence near the strategic facility since the conflict began in April.

The army reported intense aerial and artillery bombardment of the refinery area, with explosions audible from across the Nile River in Omdurman.

Soldiers later posted videos purporting to show them at the Al-Jeili crossing gate on the border between Khartoum and River Nile states. This would mark the first confirmed army presence in this area, about 20 km southwest of the refinery, which has been under Rapid Support Forces (RSF) control since the conflict began.

Sudan Tribune could not independently verify the authenticity of the footage.

Other videos circulated online appeared to show army troops in the Al-Jeili suburb, about 40 km north of Khartoum North (Bahri), and in nearby villages.

On the eastern front, the army said it had advanced and seized control of the Rotana Mills, northeast of Al-Jeili and southeast of the refinery. Troops also conducted a sweep operation in the town of Hajar al-Asal, where RSF forces have been intermittently present.

The RSF denied the reports of army advances in a statement late Wednesday.

Fighting in Khartoum North
Meanwhile, in Khartoum North, the army continued its slow push southward amid sniper fire, aiming to link up with forces advancing from the north and Omdurman.

Army units reportedly gained control of buildings in the Al-Mughtaribeen neighbourhood, previously an RSF stronghold.
In the south of Khartoum North, the army maintained gains made on Tuesday, bringing them closer to a key intersection leading to the industrial zone.

According to field sources, the police’s Public Services Complex in the Al-Mazad neighbourhood is now within firing range of the army.

The distance separating the army’s northern and southern fronts in Khartoum North has reportedly been reduced to about 2 km. A successful link-up would allow the army to advance towards the besieged General Command headquarters in central Khartoum.

Such a manoeuvre could also trap RSF forces in eastern neighbourhoods of Khartoum North unless they withdraw before the army fronts converge.

The army shelled suspected RSF positions in eastern Khartoum North on Wednesday morning. Heavy artillery fire intensified in the afternoon, followed by RSF shelling of army-held areas in Omdurman in the evening.

According to a Sudan Tribune correspondent, RSF artillery shells fell in the Al-Thawra and Al-Hattana suburbs of Omdurman shortly after electricity was restored, causing panic among residents.