The Sudanese army announced on Saturday that it has successfully retaken the strategic city of Sinja, the capital of Sennar state, from the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The city, located south of Khartoum, had been under RSF control for five months.
The army’s victory is a significant milestone in the 19-month-old war between the regular army and the RSF.
Sinja is a crucial prize due to its location on a key road linking army-controlled areas of eastern and central Sudan.
Information Minister Khaled al-Aiser confirmed the army’s victory, stating, “Sinja has returned to the embrace of the nation.” Armed Forces Chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan visited the city of Sennar to inspect the operation and celebrate the liberation of Sinja.
The conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and the displacement of over 11 million people, creating the world’s largest displacement crisis, according to the UN.