The Sudanese army has taken control of the presidential palace in Khartoum from the Rapid Support Forces, a militia with which it has been engaged in a bloody civil war for nearly two years.
The army is regaining control of the Sudanese capital from where it was forced out by the rival Rapid Support Force two years ago.
Army spokesman Nabil Abdallah told state television that the military had taken control of the palace and ministerial buildings in the centre of Khartoum. He said:
“Our forces have completely destroyed enemy fighters and equipment and seized a large amount of weapons and equipment.”
He also pledged that the army would fight “until complete victory.”
The Rapid Support Force has so far declined to comment.
The bloody civil war tearing Sudan apart began almost two years ago in Khartoum, with fierce fighting there. Sudan has been ruled by the military since 2021, after the overthrow of President Omar al-Bashir, who ruled for nearly 30 years.
Khartoum’s return would be a huge victory for the Sudanese military and a turning point in the conflict. The army has also made gains in the centre of the country in recent weeks.
On Thursday, eyewitnesses reported explosions from drone attacks and airstrikes near the Republican Palace. In a video message on Saturday, RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, pledged to defend the presidential palace and surrounding areas under the control of his militia. He also threatened more attacks in several northern towns.
The war in Sudan has led to the world’s biggest humanitarian crisis, according to the UN. Both sides are accused of massive human rights violations. Attempts at a peaceful settlement have repeatedly failed as both sides vow to continue fighting for control of strategic territories.
