The article explores the precarious situation of Sgt. Maj. Ismail Hassan, a sniper team commander stationed in a dilapidated luxury apartment overlooking the Blue Nile, as the conflict between the Sudanese Army and Rapid Support Forces continues to rage, leaving the city of Khartoum in ruins.**
Inside the Sniper's Perch: A Glimpse into the Sudanese Conflict**
Inside the Sniper's Perch: A Glimpse into the Sudanese Conflict**
A closer examination of the conditions faced by a commander in the Sudanese Army during ongoing struggles against paramilitary forces.**
In One Image: The Sniper’s Nest
By Ivor Prickett and Peter Robins
Amidst the chaos of war, a sniper’s nest provides a strategic vantage point. This is the position of Sgt. Maj. Ismail Hassan, the commander of a sniper team in the Sudanese Army. Across the Blue Nile lie his targets—members of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces—and the historical presidential palace of Sudan.
The once-luxurious apartment building where Hassan operates has seen better days. The walls of the top-floor bedroom are marred by repeated gunfire, a grim reminder of the ongoing conflict. Light bulbs have been stripped away, likely by both looters and soldiers, making this space a dark hideout for the sniper team, intent on remaining unseen.
In this moment, Sgt. Maj. Hassan observes cautiously. He has set aside his ear protectors, usually vital before pulling the trigger, while headphones lie beside him. A bare mattress in the corner serves as a makeshift resting spot, but Hassan and his men opt for a safer retreat deeper inside the building—away from the immediate danger of gunfire.
Four years prior, this area stood as a symbol of Sudan's move toward democracy, situated peacefully by the riverbank in the capital. However, following a military coup and nearly two years of intense civil war, the Sudanese landscape has transformed. By mid-March, when this photograph was taken, the Blue Nile delineated the front line in a battle for control.
Over recent months, as part of a broader counteroffensive, the Sudanese Army has begun reclaiming much of Khartoum, an effort underscored by their recent regaining of the presidential palace. Despite these military successes, experts warn that the fighting will likely remain unresolved, as the city continues to bear the scars of conflict, leaving vast areas resembling a wasteland.
With no clear end in sight, the situation in Sudan remains precarious, characterized by constant tension and an ever-evolving battlefield.
By Ivor Prickett and Peter Robins
Amidst the chaos of war, a sniper’s nest provides a strategic vantage point. This is the position of Sgt. Maj. Ismail Hassan, the commander of a sniper team in the Sudanese Army. Across the Blue Nile lie his targets—members of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces—and the historical presidential palace of Sudan.
The once-luxurious apartment building where Hassan operates has seen better days. The walls of the top-floor bedroom are marred by repeated gunfire, a grim reminder of the ongoing conflict. Light bulbs have been stripped away, likely by both looters and soldiers, making this space a dark hideout for the sniper team, intent on remaining unseen.
In this moment, Sgt. Maj. Hassan observes cautiously. He has set aside his ear protectors, usually vital before pulling the trigger, while headphones lie beside him. A bare mattress in the corner serves as a makeshift resting spot, but Hassan and his men opt for a safer retreat deeper inside the building—away from the immediate danger of gunfire.
Four years prior, this area stood as a symbol of Sudan's move toward democracy, situated peacefully by the riverbank in the capital. However, following a military coup and nearly two years of intense civil war, the Sudanese landscape has transformed. By mid-March, when this photograph was taken, the Blue Nile delineated the front line in a battle for control.
Over recent months, as part of a broader counteroffensive, the Sudanese Army has begun reclaiming much of Khartoum, an effort underscored by their recent regaining of the presidential palace. Despite these military successes, experts warn that the fighting will likely remain unresolved, as the city continues to bear the scars of conflict, leaving vast areas resembling a wasteland.
With no clear end in sight, the situation in Sudan remains precarious, characterized by constant tension and an ever-evolving battlefield.
