Sudanese Army Retakes Wad Madani, Capital of Al-Jazirah, Dealing Major Blow to RSF

Jan 11, 2025, 06:24 PM

The Sudanese army and allied forces have recaptured the strategic city of Wad Madani, the capital of Al-Jazirah state, from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The military offensive included the capture of the Hantoub bridge, a critical entry point to Wad Madani, and the town of Umm al-Qura, located 20 kilometers east of the city. Government troops entered Wad Madani after heavy fighting, pushing out RSF fighters who had controlled the city since December 2023. The army also released prisoners held by the RSF in Wad Madani. The recapture of the city marks one of the most significant advances in the nearly two-year conflict and deals a major blow to the paramilitary group. Celebrations erupted in several Sudanese cities, including Omdurman and Port Sudan, as residents hailed the army's victory. RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Daglo acknowledged the loss, stating, "Today we lost a round, but we have not lost the battle." Sudan's foreign ministry hailed "the great victory achieved today," stating that the army's success represents the beginning of the end for the RSF rebellion.