Sudan army recaptures Khartoum airport from RSF

Wednesday 26 March 2025 - 15:10

By: Zahouani Ilham

Sudan army recaptures Khartoum airport from RSF

The Sudanese army, engaged in a fierce battle with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2023, has successfully regained full control of Khartoum's airport, which had been occupied by paramilitary forces. This achievement follows a deadly airstrike by the army that killed at least 270 people in Darfur’s western region.

The military's momentum grew after recapturing the presidential palace on Friday, resulting in a rapid advance through central Khartoum. The army has now secured key state institutions that had been under RSF control earlier in the conflict.

In southern Khartoum, the army has strategically surrounded the Jebel Awliya area from three directions—north, south, and east. Military sources confirmed that operations continue to advance steadily, with RSF remnants reportedly fleeing across the White Nile via the Jebel Awliya bridge, their last escape route.

Throughout Khartoum, witnesses report that RSF fighters are retreating toward the south, possibly to Jebel Awliya. However, the RSF has yet to comment on the situation.

Since the war began, tens of thousands of people have died, and over 12 million have been displaced, creating one of the world's largest humanitarian crises. The conflict has also divided Sudan, with the army holding the east and north, and the RSF controlling Darfur and parts of the south.

Despite suffering losses, the army has regained significant ground, pushing through central Sudan toward Khartoum. The RSF had maintained positions in Jebel Awliya and on the outskirts of Omdurman, but the army’s reinforcements are bringing them closer to regaining control of the capital, where the government was forced to flee.

As the army's influence grows, social media footage shows civilians in Khartoum celebrating the RSF's withdrawal. The RSF has been accused of widespread rights abuses, including looting and sexual violence, leading to international sanctions against both army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Daglo.

The United Nations has expressed grave concern over ongoing civilian attacks, with airstrikes and artillery targeting populated areas. The war’s devastating impact on Sudanese civilians continues to unfold, with both sides accused of committing atrocities.