The Sudanese army continued its advance in Khartoum on Tuesday, announcing its ongoing efforts to "purge" the country of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
اضافة اعلان
In a statement, the Sudanese army said, "The Sudanese Armed Forces and other regular forces, supported by the Sudanese people, continue their operations to cleanse the country of the RSF militia in the path of ending the rebellion and establishing security and stability."
The army also published an updated map on its official Facebook page, showing the areas controlled by the Sudanese government. The map indicated a significant military presence in Khartoum and the White Nile and South Kordofan states (south).
Meanwhile, the RSF forces were confined to the Darfur states (four states in the west) and parts of North and West Kordofan (south), according to the map.
Eyewitnesses told Anadolu Agency that the RSF had withdrawn from the neighborhoods of Burri and Arkwit in eastern Khartoum, as well as Al-Azhari and Al-Sahafa in the southern part of the city.
Activists on social media shared videos of celebrations by the residents of the Burri neighborhood as the RSF withdrew from their area for the first time since the war broke out on April 15, 2023.
For its part, the "Sudan Shield" forces, led by Abu Aqila Kikel and supporting the Sudanese army, claimed that their forces had taken control of the Sondus agricultural project south of Jabal Awliya, the main stronghold of the RSF in southern Khartoum.
In a statement, the group mentioned that after taking control of the Sondus project (which covers about 110,000 acres), their forces were now 14 kilometers away from the Jabal Awliya area, which includes the Jabal Awliya dam and bridge, the last bridge in Khartoum still controlled by the RSF.
As of 20:50 UTC, no comment had been issued by the RSF regarding these developments.
It is worth noting that the army and the RSF have been engaged in a bloody conflict since April 2023, resulting in more than 20,000 deaths, according to the United Nations and local authorities. Around 15 million people have been displaced or sought refuge. A study conducted by American universities suggests that the death toll may rise to about 130,000.
Last Sunday, the Sudanese army announced the continuation of "military sweeps" in central Khartoum and its recapture of new sites.
In recent days, the army has taken control of most of the ministry buildings and government and private institutions in central Khartoum and the Al-Muqrin area. It also regained control of Tuti Island.
These developments follow the Sudanese army's recapture of the presidential palace on Friday.
The RSF acknowledged losing the palace but insisted that its fall did not mean the loss of the war.
In recent weeks, the RSF forces have faced a swift retreat in several states, including Khartoum, Al-Jazeera, the White Nile, North Kordofan, Sennar, and Blue Nile, while the army continues to make steady progress.
--(Anadolu Agency)
