Sudan’s army leader, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, visited the presidential palace in Khartoum after the army regained control of the capital’s airport. Surrounded by cheering soldiers, he declared that Khartoum was now “free” from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Army Gains Control Over Key Areas
Since retaking the presidential palace, the army has been advancing quickly, reclaiming government buildings from RSF fighters. A military spokesperson announced that the army now controls all bridges over the Nile, connecting different parts of Greater Khartoum. Residents reported that RSF fighters were retreating south toward Jebel Aulia, their last exit route from the city. Drone footage released by the army appeared to show RSF fighters fleeing across a bridge, but this has not been independently confirmed.
Celebration and Suffering in Khartoum
Videos on social media showed people celebrating the army’s progress. However, those who remained in the city reported widespread looting by RSF fighters. The United Nations warned that Khartoum is on the brink of famine due to food shortages and restrictions on aid deliveries. Human rights groups have accused both sides of committing war crimes, including sexual violence and random attacks on civilians. Recently, the Sudanese air force was accused of bombing a marketplace, killing dozens of people.
The Battle is Not Over Yet
Despite the army’s recent victories, the war is far from over. The RSF still controls most of the Darfur region in western Sudan. Both sides receive weapons from foreign allies, making peace efforts difficult.
Fighting in North Darfur
In the city of El Fasher, the army killed 20 RSF fighters using drone strikes. The army also destroyed three RSF military vehicles and two supply trucks. Reports suggest that internal conflicts among RSF fighters have also led to casualties. The United Nations warns that 825,000 children are trapped in the fighting around El Fasher, with many suffering from hunger and disease. UNICEF called the situation a “living hell” and said delivering food and medicine has become nearly impossible due to the ongoing violence.
More than 60,000 people have fled their homes in North Darfur in the last six weeks, adding to the 600,000 already displaced. UNICEF reported that over 70 children were killed in El Fasher in the past three months, and many more are in danger due to the collapse of healthcare services.
