On January 12, 2025, the Sudanese army announced its control over the Al-Rawad residential complex in Khartoum. The armed forces reported via their Facebook page that the Armored Corps had inflicted significant casualties on the rebel militia while ensuring the safety of private and public property in accordance with international law and rules of engagement.
The army also shared a video appearing to show soldiers inside Wad Madani, the capital of the Al-Jazeera state, which has been under the control of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since December 2023. Regaining full control of Al-Jazeera state could mark a turning point in the conflict that erupted in April 2023 over the integration of RSF into the army, resulting in one of the largest humanitarian crises globally, displacing over 12 million people and leaving half the population facing hunger.
The armed forces issued a statement congratulating the Sudanese people on the entry of its troops into Wad Madani, stating they are now working to clear rebel pockets within the city. In a Telegram address, RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemetti, acknowledged the defeat but insisted the battle is not over, claiming, 'We lost Wad Madani but we will take it back. The people just need to return to their ranks and regroup.'
Hemetti attributed the defeat to what he described as the Sudanese army's reliance on Iranian drones and fighters from the Tigray region of Ethiopia. Meanwhile, a Reuters report indicated that dozens of aircraft had flown from the UAE to Chad, likely to arm the RSF. The UAE has denied these allegations, though a United Nations panel of experts stated that the information is credible.
Al-Jazeera state, located in central Sudan south of Khartoum, has witnessed RSF attacks resulting in civilian casualties, destruction of fields, and looting of hospitals and markets. Experts warn that Wad Madani, despite its historical significance as a commercial agricultural center, is at risk of famine due to the conflict-induced blockade.
The army has intensified its campaign to regain control of Al-Jazeera in recent months after securing control over the Sennar state in the south and increasing airstrikes, which often affect civilians. In October, the RSF commander in Al-Jazeera announced his defection to fight alongside the army, participating in operations on Saturday, but the paramilitary forces retaliated with a series of attacks. The army also continued its operations in Bahri, north of the capital, where it has made progress in recent months. The RSF controls most areas in the west of the country and is battling the army for control over El Fasher, its last stronghold in the Darfur region.