Sudanese Army Regains Control of Presidential Palace from RSF
The Sudanese army has recaptured the presidential palace in Khartoum from the RSF, marking a significant shift in the conflict. The RSF retaliated with drone attacks, killing journalists and army personnel. Despite this setback, the RSF remains entrenched in key city areas. The conflict has resulted in extensive casualties and a growing humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
On Friday, the Sudanese army successfully regained control of the presidential palace in Khartoum from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), striking a significant blow to the paramilitary group. Following this event, deadly drone attacks were reported from the RSF, which claimed responsibility for killing three journalists covering the army’s operation. According to an anonymous army source, these journalists were fatally struck by an RSF one-way attack drone during their reporting from the palace.
The RSF announced their involvement in a “lightning operation” surrounding the palace, asserting that they caused the deaths of over 89 army personnel and destroyed several military vehicles. Despite their losses, the RSF stated that “the battle for the Republican Palace is not over yet.” Witnesses corroborated reports of multiple drone strikes targeting the palace area, where army personnel celebrated their recent victory.
A disturbing conflict for power between Sudan’s competing generals erupted on April 15, 2023, resulting in a rapid loss of territory to the RSF. The traditional army struggled against the highly mobile paramilitaries during this tumultuous period. In nearly two years, the conflict has led to the death of tens of thousands, displacing over 12 million people and affecting Khartoum’s population severely.
As the army launched a counteroffensive late last year, they gained momentum after a local commander defected. The retaking of the presidential palace, emblematic of Sudanese sovereignty, was described by a retired general as “a blow” to the RSF. Despite these developments, RSF fighters remain entrenched around the city and continue artillery attacks on army-held neighborhoods.
Military sources indicated that the RSF suffered significant losses of elite fighters during the confrontation. An anonymous military expert remarked, “With the army entering the Republican Palace, which means control of central Khartoum, the militia has lost its elite forces.” The army anticipates further advancements as the RSF maintains its presence in strategic locations across the capital.
The RSF pledged to persist in their efforts to reclaim lost ground, with commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo declaring their commitment to oppose the army’s counteroffensive. Meanwhile, army spokesman Nabil Abdallah emphasized the determination to clear out remaining RSF fighters in the city. Although control over the presidential palace may facilitate the army’s dominance in greater Khartoum, significant portions of Darfur and southern regions remain under RSF control. As the war persists, over eight million Sudanese are facing imminent famine and nearly 25 million experience severe food insecurity.
The recapture of the presidential palace by the Sudanese army marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict with the RSF, reflecting a possible shift in power dynamics. The situation remains precarious as RSF forces continue to operate within the city, presenting challenges for the army’s efforts to secure complete control. The humanitarian crisis intensifies amidst this violence, with millions at risk of famine across Sudan. The evolving battlefield will require continued vigilance and strategic action from both sides.
Original Source: www.nbcrightnow.com
