Sudan’s military claims significant progress in Khartoum after retaking the presidential palace from paramilitary control. Army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan vowed for full liberation while acknowledging the ongoing divided nature of the nation. Recent attacks highlight the continuing humanitarian crisis amidst fierce clashes.
On Saturday, Sudan’s military announced significant advances in central Khartoum, claiming to have retaken several key structures previously controlled by paramilitary forces. Following the recapture of the presidential palace, army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan pledged a commitment to the “full liberation” of the area. Military spokesman Nabil Abdallah reported the military’s ongoing pressure on the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) throughout the city center and confirmed the recapture of notable buildings including the Central Bank and the Sudan National Museum.
Despite these gains in the capital, Sudan remains effectively divided. The army controls the eastern and northern regions, while the RSF dominates the western area of Darfur and parts of the south. Concurrently, reports indicate that dozens of civilians were killed in a paramilitary attack in North Darfur, further complicating the humanitarian situation.
In the initial weeks following the outbreak of fighting in April 2023, paramilitary forces overran and looted national institutions in Khartoum. An RSF source disclosed that fighters had withdrawn from certain locations in central Khartoum but asserted that the clash was ongoing, with fierce battles continuing near the airport, now heavily damaged from prolonged fighting.
On Friday, the army, alongside allied groups, successfully reclaimed the presidential palace from RSF control. However, the RSF retaliated with a drone attack that resulted in casualties, including members of a Sudanese TV crew. The palace served as a strategic location for the RSF, housing elite forces and storing ammunition.
The ongoing battle for the city center could potentially solidify military control over Khartoum, yet analysts caution it may not conclude the conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions since its onset. Army forces, led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, have seen a resurgence after initial setbacks, recently taking significant sections of the capital.
Burhan reiterated his commitment to advancing toward the full liberation of Sudan, stating, “The battle is not over, we will continue.” Military reports indicate that remaining RSF forces have retreated into various buildings in the vicinity of the palace, complicating the fighting dynamics.
The RSF’s tightened grip on Darfur is under threat from army-allied groups, which have made strategic moves against RSF supply routes from Libya. Recent reports from activists reveal a deadly RSF attack in Al-Malha, North Darfur, that claimed at least 45 civilian lives, illustrating the perilous humanitarian ramifications of the ongoing conflict.
In summary, Sudan’s military has made notable advances in central Khartoum, reclaiming key locations from the Rapid Support Forces, while promising continued efforts toward full liberation. However, the conflict has fragmented the nation, resulting in substantial civilian casualties and ongoing violence in both Khartoum and Darfur. Analysts warn that despite military gains, the war in Sudan continues to pose severe humanitarian challenges.
Original Source: www.kulr8.com
