Khartoum: The Sudanese army announced Tuesday that the capital, Khartoum, is now 'completely free' of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) after months of intense warfare. The army's spokesperson, Nabil Abdullah, stated in a recorded message, "We announce today the full clearing of the entire state of Khartoum from any presence of the Al-Dagalo militia and the purification of our national capital from the stain of the rebels." He further confirmed that Khartoum is entirely free of the rebels and reiterated the army's commitment to continue operations "until the last inch of our land is cleansed of every rebel."
According to Anadolu Agency, soldiers posted videos on social media showing army forces within the Al-Salha area in Omdurman, which was described as the last RSF stronghold in the city. Other footage reportedly depicted weapons caches, drones, and jamming equipment seized by the military in the area. The military spokesperson mentioned that army forces continued to engage RSF militia in the south and west of Omdurman, Khartoum's twin city.
Sudanese authorities also declared that White Nile State, located in the country's south, is now free of the RSF following the army's recapture of Umm Ramta Governorate. The governor of White Nile State confirmed the RSF's expulsion in remarks to the official Sudan News Agency (SUNA). Videos shared by Sudanese army soldiers online showed their presence in villages across the White Nile region, where they claimed to have destroyed remaining RSF units. In one of the videos, a field commander announced the army's complete control over the state and the 'cleansing' of areas such as Al-Alaga, Sheikh Al-Siddiq, and Abu Huleif.
The RSF did not immediately comment on the army's statement. The conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese army has been ongoing since April 2023, resulting in thousands of deaths and contributing to a severe humanitarian crisis. More than 20,000 people have reportedly been killed, and 15 million displaced, according to the UN and local authorities. However, research by US scholars suggests the death toll could be as high as 130,000.