Sudan army recaptures airport from RSF as conflict escalates
Sudan's top army general Abdel Fattah al-Burhan holds a press conference at the General Command of the Armed Forces in Khartoum on October 26, 2021. - Angry Sudanese stood their ground in street protests against a coup, as international condemnation of the military's takeover poured in ahead of a UN Security Council meeting. (Photo by ASHRAF SHAZLY / AFP) (Photo by ASHRAF SHAZLY/AFP via Getty Images)
On March 26th, Sudanese Army Chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan arrived at Khartoum Airport in Sudan as it marks the recapture of the airport from rival paramilitary group the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), as reported by the Transitional Sovereign Council he leads, reports France 24.
His arrival to the airport was also seen as a significant step towards reclaiming control of the capital in the army’s ongoing two-year war with the RSF.
The army had previously seized the presidential palace in downtown Khartoum on March 21st, a key symbolic victory after two years of conflict that has fractured Sudan into rival zones controlled by opposing forces.
On March 26th, the army announced that it had gained control of the Tiba al-Hassanab camp, located south of Khartoum.
The camp was described as the RSF’s last stronghold in central Sudan and in Khartoum state.
Military sources indicated that the army was encircling the airport, located in the city center, as part of its ongoing efforts to secure the capital.
Witnesses reported that the RSF had concentrated its forces in southern Khartoum, seemingly preparing for a retreat via bridges to the neighboring city of Omdurman.
Later, the army released drone footage showing numerous people crossing a dam, which it claimed depicted RSF forces retreating across the Nile River.
However, Reuters was unable to independently verify the footage, and the RSF did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding the military developments on March 26.
In an apparent sign of the army’s increasing confidence in its hold over central Khartoum, General Burhan appeared in a live broadcast on Al Jazeera on March 26th, where he was seen touring the recently captured presidential palace.
The Sudan army’s recent gains in central Sudan, including the recapture of key districts in Khartoum such as the airport, come as the RSF has consolidated its control in the western regions of the country.
This has resulted in hardened battle lines, raising concerns that Sudan may be heading toward de facto partition, with different regions controlled by opposing factions.
The conflict, which erupted two years ago during Sudan’s attempted transition to democracy, has led to what the United Nations describes as the world’s largest humanitarian crisis.
The war has caused widespread famine in several areas, along with outbreaks of disease.
It has displaced 12.5 million people, many of whom have sought refuge in neighbouring countries.
France 24. Reuters. Al Jazeera
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