Khartoum: Sudan’s army announced it had regained control of Khartoum’s international airport after nearly two years of civil war.
Army chief Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan returned to the capital, marking a major symbolic victory over the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Video footage showed Burhan landing at the airport, kissing the ground, and raising his fist while greeting cheering troops.
“Khartoum is now free. It’s over. Khartoum is free,” Burhan declared in a speech aired by Al Jazeera.
Burhan later visited the Presidential Palace, a key site his forces recaptured from RSF control last Friday.
War Background
The conflict began in April 2023 when the military and RSF clashed over power, igniting nationwide battles.
RSF initially controlled key locations, including the airport and Presidential Palace, spreading their presence across Sudan.
Burhan and his government had fled Khartoum, relocating to Port Sudan on the Red Sea coast.
His return to Khartoum signals the military’s strengthening position in the war against the RSF.
The RSF still holds scattered positions in Khartoum, and the government has not declared full victory.
Strategic Gains
Earlier, the army announced it had taken the RSF’s last stronghold in Khartoum, the Teiba al-Hasnab camp.
RSF has not responded publicly to the military’s claims of victory in Khartoum.
Information Minister Khalid Aleiser called the moment “pivotal,” celebrating the army’s control of the capital.
“Khartoum is free, as it should be,” Aleiser stated on social media, reinforcing the army’s message.
Seizing Khartoum does not end the conflict, as RSF remains in control of Darfur and other regions.
Humanitarian Impact
The army’s control of the airport could allow more aid flights into Sudan, where millions are suffering.
The war has displaced 14 million people, pushing parts of the country toward famine.
At least 28,000 people have been killed, but the actual number is likely much higher.
With the airport secured, humanitarian groups may be able to deliver emergency supplies.
Despite military advances, Sudan’s long-term peace remains uncertain as fighting continues in multiple regions.
