January 9, 2025 (AL-SHABARQA) – The Sudanese army secured strategic positions in Al Jazirah state on Thursday, marking its second day of advances, amid reports of its forces closing in on the state capital, Wad Madani, Sudan Tribune has learned. On Wednesday, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) launched a major offensive to retake Wad Madani on three fronts. Troops from Wad Al-Haddad seized the town of Al-Haj Abdallah, south of Al Jazirah, and surrounding villages, about 20 kilometres from the state capital. On the western axis, SAF forces took control of the villages of Mahla, Talha, and Al-Kumar Al-Ja’liyeen. Major Bassam Abu Satour, a field commander on the Al-Faw axis, said the army had captured the town of Al-Shabarqa following “fierce battles” with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Video clips released by the army showed soldiers deployed in Al-Shabarqa, checking on civilians. The videos also showed captured RSF fighters. The RSF had used Al-Shabarqa, about 37 kilometres east of Wad Madani, as a key defensive position, with a heavy troop presence. A previous army attempt to take the town resulted in significant losses. Before entering Al-Shabarqa, the army secured the villages of Al-Tanwba Al-Jadeeda, Al-Tanwba Al-Qadeema, Jabr, Al-Sharif Yacoub, …

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