The Sudanese army has retaken control of the presidential palace in the capital Khartoum for the first time since the war began with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) nearly two years ago, a military source told Anadolu on Friday.

The source, who requested anonymity, stated that army forces successfully seized full control of the palace after expelling fighters from the paramilitary group.

Sudanese army soldiers shared footage on social media showing the moment they entered the palace following days of intense battles with the RSF.

Separately, Sudanese Information Minister Khalid Ali Al-E'asir confirmed that the army had taken control of the presidential palace.

“Today, the flag was raised, the palace returned, and the journey continues until victory is complete,” he said in a statement.

Later, the RSF acknowledged losing the presidential palace in central Khartoum to the Sudanese army but claimed that losing the location does not equate to losing the war.

El Basha Tabig, advisor to the RSF commander, said on X that "losing the Republican Palace does not mean losing the war," asserting that RSF fighters demonstrated bravery and resilience during the battles.

Over the past few weeks, the territorial control of the RSF has been shrinking rapidly in favor of the Sudanese army across several states, including Khartoum, Al-Jazira, White Nile, North Kordofan, Sennar, and Blue Nile.

The army and RSF have been fighting a war since mid-April 2023 that has killed more than 20,000 people and displaced 14 million, according to the UN and local authorities. Research from US universities, however, estimates the death toll at around 130,000.

International and UN calls for an end to the war are mounting, warning of an impending humanitarian catastrophe as millions face famine and death due to food shortages. The conflict has spread to 13 of Sudan’s 18 states.