Omdurman, Mar. 22, (dpa/GNA) – The Sudanese army has regained control of additional parts of the capital, Khartoum, in a significant blow to the RSF paramilitary faction seeking to overthrow the UN-recognized government.

Following the recapture of the presidential palace on Friday, government forces secured key surrounding areas in the city centre, where major ministries are located, on Saturday.

Army spokesman Brigadier General Nabil Abdullah said the military has tightened security around several strategically and symbolically important sites, including the central bank, the national museum and other key buildings in the heart of the city.

Abdullah also reported that hundreds of militia fighters were “eliminated” overnight as they attempted to flee through central Khartoum. His statement could not be independently verified.

The latest offensive marks a turning point in the nearly two-year conflict between Sudan’s military ruler Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his deputy-turned-rival, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.

Dagalo’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) had previously seized control of much of Khartoum. For the first time, the army has now succeeded in pushing the RSF out of the city centre.

Despite recent gains, an end to the civil war remains a distant prospect.

Government troops have retaken key positions in the east, while the RSF still controls vast areas of the west, including the Darfur region. The RSF is currently working with allies to establish a parallel administration in the territories under its control.

GNA