The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) announced on Wednesday that they have regained control of Khartoum International Airport from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), marking a significant turning point in the ongoing conflict.
“We have taken control of Khartoum International Airport,” SAF operations commander in Khartoum, Mohamed Abdul-Rahman Al-Belawi, stated, according to reports from Al-Jazeera. A military source corroborated the victory, telling Xinhua News Agency that ground units have “successfully taken control of Khartoum International Airport and fully secured it.”
The SAF also reported seizing the militia camp Taiba Al-Hasanab in Jabal Awliya city, described as the RSF’s main camp and last stronghold in Khartoum. “The RSF’s remaining presence consists of scattered small pockets, which will be eliminated soon,” SAF spokesman Nabil Abdalla said in a statement.
Progress wasn’t limited to Khartoum alone. The SAF seized control of the first infantry brigade headquarters in the Al-Bagair area on the border between Khartoum and Gezira states. Abdalla noted that the SAF and supporting forces have inflicted heavy losses on the RSF in both equipment and personnel.
Video footage shared by army soldiers on social media showed SAF units deployed along Al-Siteen Street, a crucial roadway connecting the eastern, southern, and central parts of Khartoum.
The conflict between the SAF and RSF began in mid-April 2023, plunging Sudan into turmoil. While the SAF has made significant advances, the RSF recently announced the capture of the Al-Malha area, a strategic location controlling vital trade routes between Sudan and Libya and serving as a key crossroads leading to North Darfur State’s capital in western Sudan.
Amid the shifting control, the SAF released a map on Tuesday outlining territories under their control versus those held by the RSF. Green areas under full SAF control include the Northern, River Nile, Red Sea, Kassala, Gedaref, Blue Nile, Gezira, and Sinnar states. Areas marked in red, indicating RSF control, include West, South, and East Darfur.
As the situation develops, the people of Sudan remain hopeful for a resolution that will bring peace and stability to their nation.
