A Sniper’s Perspective: The Battles in Sudan

The article provides an in-depth look at the current military conflict in Sudan from the vantage point of a sniper team. It captures the landscape of war, the strategic positioning near the presidential palace, and the historical context that has led to the current situation of divided power and ongoing violence.

The Sniper’s Nest: A View into the Conflict in Sudan

In a decaying luxury apartment overlooking the Blue Nile, Sgt. Maj. Ismail Hassan commands his sniper team within the Sudanese Army, focused on a dangerous battle against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The room is marked by the scars of warfare; a sniper rifle’s use has rattled the bedroom walls. All bulbs have been stripped, leaving the space in darkness—no lights should betray their position against the enemy, mere meters away from the presidential palace.

On March 12, while the world watches, Sgt. Major Hassan is primarily an observer. His shooting gear sits idly, and a makeshift mattress in the corner indicates a temporary base. With the rapid escalation of violence following a military coup years ago, this now-beautiful riverside apartment has turned into a battlefield.

The ongoing struggle for control began when the R.S.F. overtook much of Khartoum, the capital, in April 2023. The Sudanese Army, however, has launched a counteroffensive, reclaiming strategic areas and recently celebrating the recapture of the presidential palace. The complex battle continues as they aim to drive the R.S.F. entirely out of Khartoum.

Despite these advancements, experts caution that a swift end to the conflict is unlikely. With significant portions of the city reduced to rubble, the war's scars will remain long after the fighting stops. The stark images coming from this sniper’s nest embody the broader struggles facing Sudan as it grapples with its future amidst chaos.