Sudan's military claims victory as it retakes Greater Khartoum from rebels
- The Sudanese military announced full control of Greater Khartoum after a prolonged battle against the RSF.
- Fighting between the military and paramilitary forces has resulted in significant casualties and widespread displacement.
- The declared victory may not ease the ongoing humanitarian crisis that has escalated due to the civil war.
Sudan's military declared that it has regained complete control of the Greater Khartoum region, following a protracted and violent conflict against remnants of the paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The military's recent successes in this civil war, which began on April 15, 2023, marked a significant shift in the power dynamics within the capital region, encompassing Khartoum, Omdurman, and Khartoum North. Brig. Gen. Nabil Abdullah, a spokesperson for the military, announced that Khartoum state is now completely free of insurgents as they recover territory from the RSF, which had been engaged in a two-year battle with the army. The conflict has resulted in a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, with more than 24,000 casualties and millions displaced from their homes. The warfare led to dire conditions, pushing significant areas of Sudan into famine. The military's offensive operations in Omdurman, which included skirmishes with RSF fighters, illustrate the ongoing violence despite claims of victory by the army. Fighting had previously raged in Omdurman and other critical areas, as military forces conducted large-scale operations to eliminate RSF strongholds in the region. Amid this turmoil, the country’s military leaders have been forced to relocate, with Port Sudan emerging as a new center of military operations. This relocation underscores the precarious situation in Sudan, where the RSF's influence has been profound and disruptive. Recent attacks in Port Sudan, including drone strikes attributed to the RSF, have exacerbated the crisis by damaging vital infrastructure, leading to water shortages, and blackout conditions. Tensions have further escalated diplomatically, particularly between Sudan and the United Arab Emirates, as accusations of external interference in the conflict surfaced. The evolving situation in Sudan reflects the complex interplay of military and paramilitary interests and the dire consequences for civilians caught in the crossfire. The actions of both the military and RSF have raised serious concerns regarding possible war crimes, contributing to a deepening humanitarian emergency. The military's proclamation of controlling the Greater Khartoum area is a strategic milestone in its ongoing efforts to neutralize insurgent threats, yet the broader implications of the civil war continue to haunt the Sudanese populace.