Sudanese army recaptures Khartoum airport from civil war rivals

In a significant development in the prolonged Sudan civil war, the Sudanese army has announced the recapture of Khartoum airport from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This marks a notable territorial advance for the army in the capital city after two years of intense conflict.

Army Claims Control of Khartoum Airport

According to Gen Mohamed Abdel Rahman al-Bilawi, the commander overseeing operations in eastern Khartoum, government troops have fully secured Khartoum airport. He indicated that the military anticipates potentially clearing the remaining RSF fighters from the area by the end of the day.

Recent Military Gains

The Sudanese army has demonstrated rapid progress in recent days. Prior to this airport claim, they recaptured the presidential palace on Friday and have since taken control of several key state institutions previously held by the RSF. This momentum suggests a shifting dynamic in the battle for control of Khartoum.

RSF’s Previous Dominance and Current Retreat

The RSF had maintained control over a substantial portion of Khartoum since the civil war erupted in April 2023. The nationwide conflict has resulted in a devastating humanitarian crisis, with hundreds of thousands of deaths and millions of Sudanese displaced from their homes.

Strategic Bridge and Camp Recaptured

Earlier reports from an army spokesperson to the BBC detailed the seizure of Manshiya Bridge, the last bridge in RSF hands, along with a military camp situated in Jebel Awliya, a known stronghold for the group in southern Khartoum. The army now asserts that it has regained all bridges spanning the River Nile that connect the three major cities comprising Greater Khartoum.

Residents Report RSF Withdrawal

Eyewitness accounts from residents this week suggest that RSF fighters have been withdrawing southwards, seemingly towards Jebel Awliya. This area appeared to be the sole remaining exit point for them from the greater Khartoum area.

Celebrations Amidst Occupation Accounts

Social media videos have emerged appearing to show some Khartoum residents celebrating the army’s advancements. These celebrations follow widespread reports of a harsh RSF occupation, characterized by mass looting and the takeover of civilian residences by RSF combatants.

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

The United Nations has identified Khartoum as one of the regions in Sudan facing critical famine conditions. This dire situation is attributed to the looting of markets and restrictions on aid imposed by both warring factions.

Abuses and Indiscriminate Shelling

Human rights organizations have documented instances of sexual violence and other abuses associated with the conflict. Furthermore, both the RSF and the army have faced accusations of indiscriminately shelling civilian populated zones. A recent air force bombing of a market reportedly resulted in the deaths of dozens of civilians, according to eyewitnesses.

Government Relocation and Strategic Implications

Following the RSF’s initial seizure of the capital early in the war, the military-led government was compelled to relocate to Port Sudan, situated on the Red Sea coast. Regaining control of Khartoum represents a significant achievement for the army and could potentially provide them with a strategic advantage in the ongoing conflict.

Conflict’s Wider Scope

Despite these gains, the civil war in Sudan is far from resolved. The RSF continues to control a significant portion of the Darfur region in western Sudan. Both sides in the conflict are allegedly receiving backing from foreign entities who have supplied weapons into the nation, and international efforts aimed at mediating peace have thus far been unsuccessful.

Further Developments

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