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Sudan's Military Gains Ground as Civil War Rages On

As the conflict in Sudan escalates, military forces are seizing control of key areas amidst ongoing battles with paramilitary groups.

By Declan Walsh and Ivor PrickettSource: nytimes.com1 min read
Sudan's Military Gains Ground as Civil War Rages On
Image via nytimes.com

In brief

In the heart of Khartoum, following intense fighting, Sudan’s military has reclaimed significant territory, notably the presidential palace, which symbolizes a turning point in the civil war that has engulfed the nation for two years. Despite this advancement, the human cost remains devastating, with recent clashes resulting in numerous casualties and a steady rise in displacement among civilians seeking safety.

On Sunday, soldiers, armed and resolute, marched through the capital's streets, determined to eliminate remnants of resistance from the paramilitary forces known as the Rapid Support Forces (R.S.F.). This military offensive follows the pivotal retaking of the presidential palace just a few days prior, a moment that many observers suggest could alter the brutal trajectory of the ongoing civil war. With the strategic acquisition of the Central Bank and other vital installations, the military is bolstering its dominance, yet the overarching conflict seemingly shows no signs of quelling.Engaging with the aftermath of the military's recent successes, journalists from The New York Times became the first Western reporters to penetrate the besieged capital since the outbreak of violence in April 2023. Their findings reflect an unsettling reality: while the momentum has shifted in favor of the military, the prospect of peace remains distant. Mohamed Ibrahim, a special forces officer, articulated the military's resolve, vowing not to cede control to what he described as mercenaries.

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