In a significant turn of events in Sudan's ongoing conflict, the Sudanese army has reportedly regained control of Khartoum Airport and its surrounding areas. Military sources confirmed on Wednesday that this marks another substantial advancement in the army's struggle against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a rival paramilitary group. The army also announced the capture of the Tiba al-Hassanab camp in Jabal Awliya, characterizing it as the RSF’s primary base in central Sudan and their last remaining stronghold in Khartoum.

For much of the two-year conflict, the Sudanese army had been largely on the defensive. The war has not only threatened to divide the country but has also precipitated a severe humanitarian crisis. However, recent weeks have seen a shift in momentum, with the army reclaiming territory from the RSF in central Sudan. A notable victory occurred last Friday when the army seized control of the presidential palace in downtown Khartoum.

Witnesses on the ground reported that RSF forces have primarily stationed themselves in southern Khartoum. Their strategic positioning aims to secure withdrawal routes via bridges leading to Omdurman, a neighboring city. This maneuver suggests a tactical retreat and repositioning of RSF forces amidst the army's advances.

The United Nations has labeled the situation in Sudan as the world’s most severe humanitarian crisis. The country, home to 50 million people, is grappling with widespread famine and disease. The conflict erupted two years ago, disrupting Sudan's plans for a transition to democratic rule. Prior to the conflict, the army and RSF had collaborated to remove longtime leader Omar al-Bashir in 2019 and later depose the civilian leadership. However, underlying tensions between the two factions persisted. Omar al-Bashir had intentionally cultivated the RSF, led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (also known as Hemedti), as a counterbalance to the army, which is commanded by career officer Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.

The recapture of Khartoum airport represents a crucial gain for the Sudanese army and signals a potential shift in the dynamics of the conflict. However, the humanitarian crisis continues to escalate, requiring urgent international attention and aid to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people.