The ongoing civil war in Sudan has shifted power dynamics, with cityscapes turned into battlegrounds as rival forces vie for control.
Sudan's Sniper: A Glimpse into Conflict Amidst Civil War
Sudan's Sniper: A Glimpse into Conflict Amidst Civil War
Exploring the life of a Sudanese Army sniper commanded by Sgt. Maj. Ismail Hassan amidst the ongoing civil unrest.
In One Image: The Sniper’s Nest
The top floor of a once-luxurious apartment block now serves as a strategic vantage point for a sniper in the Sudanese Army, specifically Sergeant Major Ismail Hassan. His targets are members of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, particularly situated across the Blue Nile, nearby the presidential palace. The living space, caked in remnants of conflict, showcases a solitary mattress for rest, while the stark absence of light bulbs—either pilfered or removed to prevent illuminating the sniper's position—tells a grim tale of warfare's toll.
This photographic snapshot, taken on March 12, 2025, is set against a backdrop that starkly contrasts the capital's hopeful past. Less than four years prior, Sudan appeared to be heading towards democracy. However, a military coup triggered nearly two years of violence, leading to open conflict between the Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces, their former allies, with the Blue Nile acting as the current frontline.
The R.S.F. seized control of much of Khartoum in April 2023, leaving the army with a mere handful of bases within the city limits. Yet, recent military operations have marked a turning point, with the army, assisted by allied militias, progressively reclaiming territory in the north and east of the city. Celebrations erupted upon the military's successful retaking of the presidential palace, but analysts caution that the prospects for a rapid end to hostilities remain bleak.
As urban warfare continues to ravage Khartoum, the city now bears scars of destruction, depicted vividly in the hollowed-out buildings and charred streets. The conflict's lingering consequences are felt not just among the military, but also by the countless civilians caught in the crossfire, living amid the shadows of gunfire and unrest.
The top floor of a once-luxurious apartment block now serves as a strategic vantage point for a sniper in the Sudanese Army, specifically Sergeant Major Ismail Hassan. His targets are members of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, particularly situated across the Blue Nile, nearby the presidential palace. The living space, caked in remnants of conflict, showcases a solitary mattress for rest, while the stark absence of light bulbs—either pilfered or removed to prevent illuminating the sniper's position—tells a grim tale of warfare's toll.
This photographic snapshot, taken on March 12, 2025, is set against a backdrop that starkly contrasts the capital's hopeful past. Less than four years prior, Sudan appeared to be heading towards democracy. However, a military coup triggered nearly two years of violence, leading to open conflict between the Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces, their former allies, with the Blue Nile acting as the current frontline.
The R.S.F. seized control of much of Khartoum in April 2023, leaving the army with a mere handful of bases within the city limits. Yet, recent military operations have marked a turning point, with the army, assisted by allied militias, progressively reclaiming territory in the north and east of the city. Celebrations erupted upon the military's successful retaking of the presidential palace, but analysts caution that the prospects for a rapid end to hostilities remain bleak.
As urban warfare continues to ravage Khartoum, the city now bears scars of destruction, depicted vividly in the hollowed-out buildings and charred streets. The conflict's lingering consequences are felt not just among the military, but also by the countless civilians caught in the crossfire, living amid the shadows of gunfire and unrest.
