Khartoum, Sudan – Sudan’s regular army announced today that it has completely expelled the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) from Khartoum State, marking a significant development in the two-year conflict.
In a statement published by Sudan’s News Agency, the army declared, “Khartoum State is completely free of rebels.” This announcement follows the military’s recapture of Khartoum city, including the presidential palace, from its rivals almost two months ago in what was described as a major victory.
Earlier on Tuesday, fresh fighting had erupted between the warring factions in Omdurman, a city also located within Khartoum State and part of the wider capital region. The AFP news agency reported that the army had initiated a “large-scale offensive” in Omdurman on Monday. The RSF has not yet commented on the army’s latest claim.
Shifting Battlegrounds and Diplomatic Tensions
Khartoum was historically the heart of Sudan’s government, but the country’s military leadership was forced to relocate east to Port Sudan after the RSF gained control of the capital’s key areas.
Until recently, Port Sudan had been considered a relatively safe zone. However, it became a focal point of escalating hostilities earlier this month when it came under drone attack, which the army attributed to the RSF. These attacks reportedly hit critical infrastructure, leading to severe water shortages and worsening power blackouts.
The civil war has also triggered diplomatic ripples, particularly souring relations between Sudan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Sudan has repeatedly accused the Gulf nation of supporting the RSF, an allegation the UAE vehemently denies. These accusations continued on Tuesday, with Sudan stating the UAE was responsible for the drone attack on Port Sudan. The UAE has consistently described these claims as “unfounded allegations.”
Since the civil war erupted three years ago, thousands of people have been killed, and millions have been displaced from their homes, leading to what the United Nations has described as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. Both the Sudanese army and the RSF have faced accusations of committing war crimes, which they both deny.
Add Comment