Escalation of Clashes in Central Khartoum
The Sudanese army has tightened its siege on the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) inside the presidential palace and central Khartoum, launching drone airstrikes and artillery bombardments. The attacks have caused plumes of smoke to rise from the palace vicinity and several surrounding buildings.
Attempted RSF Withdrawal
According to field sources, a group of RSF fighters attempted to withdraw from the palace and the government ministries complex late Wednesday into early Thursday. The retreating forces reportedly used combat pickup trucks, light armored vehicles, and motorcycles.
Sources indicated that RSF fighters tried to escape through Palace Street, aiming to cross Liberty Bridge, but were intercepted by army drones, resulting in the destruction of over 30 vehicles and numerous motorcycles, as well as heavy RSF casualties.
Army Tightens Control Over Central Khartoum
Eyewitnesses reported that dozens of RSF fighters were killed between Estak Medical Laboratory and the Meridian Hotel as the army secured all roads leading to the palace. The military has deployed troops across key areas, including the industrial zone to the west, the Nile Towers to the east, the confluence of the Blue and White Nile to the south, and Bahri city to the north.
A military source described RSF’s withdrawal attempts as “suicidal,” given the army’s firm control over all major exit points in central Khartoum.
Intense Urban Combat in the Capital
Khartoum’s city center has become a battleground for daily clashes between the army and RSF. The area houses key government institutions, major markets, hospitals, and financial institutions.
Recently, the army has advanced into central Khartoum, capturing several RSF strongholds, including hospitals, hotels, and transport hubs. Military sources suggest the army is steadily pushing towards the presidential palace, which RSF has controlled since April 2023.
A fighter in central Khartoum stated that the army has developed a strategic plan to retake the city with minimal losses by systematically encircling RSF positions. The operation reportedly began in the industrial zone and extended towards the General Command headquarters, cutting off RSF supply routes and surrounding key areas, including the Arab Market and the presidential palace.
Reports also suggest that RSF fighters attempted to escape via the White Nile using boats but were intercepted by army forces.
Challenges in Storming the Palace
Military analysts note that several obstacles have slowed the army’s final assault on the palace. RSF snipers have occupied high-rise buildings in the city center, including the headquarters of Zain Telecom, the Central Bank of Sudan towers, the Nile Petroleum building, and the Al-Fateh Tower.
An army officer from the armored corps revealed that RSF fighters are using advanced anti-armor weapons, such as the Kornet missile system, to target advancing troops. Additionally, the RSF presence at the strategic battalion headquarters in central Khartoum has hindered the army’s advance from the south.
Imminent Capture of the Palace
A military source confirmed that only a few meters separate the army from the presidential palace. The army aims to inflict maximum casualties on RSF fighters using drone strikes before launching a ground assault to reclaim the palace.
With RSF forces now besieged in the Arab Market and the palace, and all escape routes cut off, the Sudanese army is confident that the palace’s recapture is only a matter of time.