Sudan’s Military Gains Ground in Khartoum Amid Continuing Conflict
Sudan’s military has made significant gains in central Khartoum amidst the ongoing civil war, capturing key locations including the presidential palace and Central Bank. Journalists from The New York Times were the first to visit since April 2023 and reported extensive destruction. Officer Mohamed Ibrahim vowed to resist paramilitary control, indicating ongoing conflict despite recent military successes.
Recently, a reporter and photographer from The New York Times became the first Western journalists to enter central Khartoum since the outbreak of civil war two years ago. Their exploration revealed the staggering extent of destruction in the city. In a notable development, Sudan’s military has launched an aggressive sweep across central Khartoum, aiming to expel the remaining paramilitary fighters from the area they have contested for two years.
The military’s objectives are being executed from the presidential palace, which they captured last Friday after intense combat resulting in numerous casualties. This strategic victory has enabled the military to gain control over significant landmarks, including the Central Bank, the national intelligence service headquarters, and the Corinthia Hotel, suggesting a pivotal shift in the ongoing civil conflict.
The journalists’ visit indicated an unmistakable change in the warfare’s dynamics, although it also underscored a grim outlook for an imminent resolution. Special forces officer Mohamed Ibrahim expressed the military’s determination, stating, “We will never leave our country to the mercenaries,” in reference to the rival paramilitary group, the R.S.F. This highlights the desperate intersections of loyalty and conflict within the region.
Declan Walsh serves as the chief Africa correspondent for The Times, operating out of Nairobi, Kenya. His extensive reporting has also covered significant events in Cairo and Islamabad. Meanwhile, photojournalist Ivor Prickett has captured critical stories in various global crises, including the conflict in Ukraine, demonstrating the vital role of journalists in illuminating truths amid turmoil.
In summary, the recent advances by Sudan’s military in Khartoum reflect a significant turn in the ongoing civil war, marked by crucial territorial gains. Despite the military’s successes, the potential for resolution remains bleak, as evidenced by the sentiments of military officials. The situation remains complex, underscoring the continuing struggles between the military and paramilitary forces.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
Post Comment