Sudan's Military Recaptures Republican Palace in Khartoum, Expelling Rival Forces from Capital

Sudan's Military Recaptures Republican Palace in Khartoum

The Sudanese military announced on Friday that it had retaken the Republican Palace in Khartoum, the last major stronghold of rival paramilitary forces in the capital. This development marks a significant victory for the military in the ongoing conflict that has plagued Sudan for nearly two years.

Social media videos showed Sudanese soldiers inside the palace, confirming their control over the compound. The palace, which served as the seat of government before the war, appeared to be partially damaged. Soldiers celebrated the victory by chanting "God is the greatest!"

Information Minister Khaled al-Aiser confirmed the news on social media, stating that the flag had been raised and the journey towards complete victory continued. The recapture of the Republican Palace signifies another battlefield gain for the Sudanese military under the leadership of General Abdel-Fattah Burhan.

This development also signifies the expulsion of the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF) from Khartoum. However, the RSF and its allies still hold territory elsewhere in Sudan, suggesting that the fighting is likely to continue. Sporadic gunfire was heard throughout the capital on Friday, though it was unclear whether it was related to ongoing clashes or celebratory in nature.

The RSF has not yet acknowledged the loss of the Republican Palace. Meanwhile, the group claimed to have seized control of the strategic desert city of al-Maliha in North Darfur, near the borders of Chad and Libya. The Sudanese military has acknowledged fighting around al-Maliha but has not confirmed the city's capture.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has created a devastating humanitarian crisis, with over 28,000 people killed and millions displaced. The war has also led to widespread famine and human rights abuses by both the military and the RSF. The international community has called for an end to the violence and a return to a democratic transition.