The Sudanese army has recaptured the presidential palace in Khartoum, marking a significant symbolic victory over the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the ongoing civil war.
Videos on social media showed soldiers with assault rifles and rocket-propelled grenade launchers inside the partially destroyed palace.
In one video, an officer confirmed the military’s control of the compound.
Sudan’s Information Minister, Khaled al-Aiser, confirmed the retaking of the palace on X, stating, “Today the flag is raised, the palace is back, and the journey continues until victory is complete.”
Despite the victory, gunfire continued in the capital on Friday, with unclear origins whether from ongoing fighting or celebrations.
In response, the RSF, led by Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, launched deadly drone strikes.
Following state television’s broadcast of fighters celebrating in the palace, three journalists were reportedly killed in a drone attack, according to an army source.
The RSF claimed responsibility for a “lightning operation” near the palace that killed over 89 soldiers and destroyed military vehicles.
The militia vowed to continue fighting and reclaim the palace. RSF fighters are believed to be hiding in buildings and parts of the bombed-out airport.
The army’s recapture of the palace, once the seat of government, follows months of advances in Khartoum.
The RSF, which had seized much of the capital early in the conflict, has now been largely expelled. However, the army’s gain does not signal an end to the war.
The RSF remains strong in Darfur, working to set up a parallel government.
The UN describes Sudan’s conflict as the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, with tens of thousands killed and millions displaced.
The war has drawn foreign involvement, with countries like Chad, Egypt, and Qatar accused of supporting different sides.
