KHARTOUM, March 22 (Xinhua) -- Sudan's military said on Friday it had taken control of the Republican Palace and key government buildings in central Khartoum following a four-day siege, dealing a heavy blow to the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) spokesman Nabil Abdalla said in a televised address that troops had driven RSF fighters from the presidential complex, Al Souq Al-Arabi Market, and several ministries.

The advance is part of a broader offensive launched in September 2024 to reclaim territories held by the RSF since the outbreak of hostilities in April 2023.

However, the RSF denied the defeats, insisting its fighters remained near the palace and had killed 89 SAF personnel in a counteroffensive. "The battle is not over. We will liberate all positions," the group said in a statement.

A military source informed Xinhua on condition of anonymity that a drone attack targeting a gathering of military personnel and journalists within the Republican Palace's outer courtyard had resulted in at least 10 fatalities, including both soldiers and media workers.

SAF leader and Transitional Military Council chairman Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan pledged to press on with the offensive.

"Our forces are advancing steadily, and we will not retreat," he said during a visit to Gezira State, according to a sovereign council statement.

Government spokesman Khalid Ali Aleisir said RSF fighters were "fleeing" Khartoum and urged them to surrender. Meanwhile, SAF operations commander Mohamed Abdul-Rahman Al-Belawi said the army's next target was RSF-controlled Khartoum Airport, vowing to "clear the capital entirely."

The conflict pits the army against the RSF, a paramilitary force led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, who used to be Al-Burhan's deputy and ally. The 23-month fighting has killed nearly 30,000 people, according to UN-cited figures.

Since late 2023, the SAF has regained significant territory in central Khartoum, parts of Bahri city, and key areas such as Wad Madani in Gezira State. A military source told Xinhua that forces had also made gains in Omdurman, capturing neighborhoods in Umbada.

Despite these advances, the RSF retains pockets of control, including rural areas of Gezira and parts of Khartoum.