Sudanese army claims capture of key eastern city from rebels

The Sudanese army has announced the capture of a key city in the east of the country, marking one of their biggest victories in the nearly two-year war against rebel forces. Videos on social media show citizens celebrating in the streets as army soldiers entered the city of Wad Madani.

Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, acknowledged the loss in an audio message. His admission was tinged with anger and confusion, attributing the defeat to the army's air superiority and use of Iranian-made drones.

However, he vowed to continue fighting until victory, even if it takes another 20 years. Wad Madani is the capital of Gezira state, located 87 miles (140 km) south of the capital, Khartoum.

Tensions between the army and the RSF escalated into conflict in April 2023, after RSF members redeployed across the country, which the army perceived as a threat. The war has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of people. The United Nations has described it as "one of the largest displacement crises in the world," with approximately 9 million people forced to flee their homes.

Furthermore, the country is facing a famine, and experts say that around 24.6 million people, roughly half the population, are in urgent need of food assistance. Earlier this month, the United States imposed sanctions on RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, accusing the group of committing genocide. Officials stated that he was being punished for "systematic" atrocities against the Sudanese people during the 20-month conflict.