After 72 hours of heavy combat, the Sudanese military recaptured the Republican Palace in Khartoum, deploying tanks throughout the region; however, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) persisted in launching assaults using drones, causing numerous fatalities, among whom were journalists.
Even though they lost the presidential palace, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) stated that the fight continued, with current military efforts concentrated on expelling RSF units from surrounding regions in Khartoum.
The United Nations has urged for enhanced safeguards for non-combatants as violence escalates, encompassing arbitrary executions and plunder carried out by both the RSF and military forces. Many individuals now live in fear of reprisals or being unjustly labeled as collaborators.
Troops from Sudan’s national army were spotted waving as they exited the grand, damaged doors and windows of Sudan’s Republican Palace early Friday morning. Following three days of continuous fighting,
The Sudanese forces successfully connected the armored units in the southern part of Khartoum with the General Command located in the city center, enabling them to capture the palace. Armored vehicles are now patrolling around the palace area.
In an official announcement, Brigadier General Nabil Abdullah, spokesperson for the Sudanese military, stated that the armed forces had recaptured the Republican Palace and were planning to advance towards full control over the capital city of Sudan.
Soon after the palace was captured, the structure became a target for RSF drone strikes, resulting in multiple casualties as reported by Al Jazeera. According to a statement from Sudan’s Minister of Culture, Khalid Ali, some of those who lost their lives included a producer, cinematographer, and driver working for Sudanese national television.
On Friday morning, the RSF issued a statement via Telegram asserting that the conflict for the palace “is not resolved yet.” They further stated that their “brave troops remain nearby” and will “keep up the struggle.”
The region around the Republican Palace turned into a scene filled with wrecked vehicles, as the Sudanese army directed its efforts towards utilizing advanced Turkish drones for conducting air strikes against the RSF forces that were firmly positioned within the palace grounds.
A military source informed Ayin that the armed forces along with their allies have taken up positions around the palace and gained complete control over the premises. The operations are set to proceed until the areas of Souk Arabi (“Arab Market”) and Al-Mograin in Khartoum are fully cleared of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), as the source further explained.
What’s next
A military analyst named Hassan Idris predicts that future combat actions will move towards western Omdurman and the southern and eastern parts of Khartoum. He also mentioned that the combined Sudan Shield Forces will push forward from southern Khartoum, while the armored units secure the Kalagla district in Omdurman. Hassan further noted that “In March and April, the Rapid Support Forces won’t be capable of maintaining their position within the capital city without deploying advanced drones for bombing raids.”
Idris asserts that Sudan’s army now holds an advantage over the RSF in the capital compared to before, primarily due to their strengthened infantry and access to contemporary military technology. “The distinguishing factor of the armed forces’ stance this time around,” Idris explained to Ayin, “is their possession of approximately 30,000 infantry troops.” He further highlighted their arsenal includes advanced unmanned aerial systems as well as sophisticated armored fighting vehicles.
Civilians in the crosshairs
The United Nations has urged stronger measures to safeguard civilians after numerous fatalities were reported due to attacks by both the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) in eastern Khartoum and northern Omdurman during the past week. According to reliable accounts, the RSF along with associated militias have been accused of conducting home invasions in eastern Khartoum, executing people without proper trials, arbitrarily arresting individuals, and stealing provisions and medical resources from communal kitchens and health centers. Additionally, the UN mentioned that forces aligned with the national Army engaged in theft and various unlawful acts within territories under their control in Khartoum North and East Nile.
Volunteers working in an emergency response unit in southern Khartoum informed Ayin about their concerns regarding escalated assaults by a desperate RSF and, more alarmingly, potential targeting by the military based on fabricated allegations of cooperating with the Rapid Support Forces. One volunteer stated, “Civilians are fearful of what could occur to them and dread experiencing something similar.” He added, “Many young people have stopped participating in voluntary efforts due to these fears.”
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