Sudan’s Airports, Military Positions, and Shifting Frontlines in April Crisis

Sudan has seen a sharp focus on airport control amid ongoing tensions involving the armed forces. Abdel Fattah Burhan, who serves as the head of the Interim Sovereignty Council and holds the role of Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces, claimed that most of the nation’s airports are under military control. The only exceptions cited were Khartoum airport and Nyala airport in South Darfur, with Burhan indicating this assessment in a television interview with Al Arabiya. He attributed the broader security situation to the presence of armed forces across the country and emphasized that control rests with the military at large. Burhan noted that he was at the command headquarters and would not be leaving that position. The interview underscored a stance that the security apparatus remains firmly seated in the operational centers of command. The Commander-in-Chief also mentioned that special riot units had deployed into residential neighborhoods and that these movements violated the ceasefire previously agreed upon. This claim pointed to challenges in maintaining a stable pause in hostilities and highlighted the evolving dynamics on the ground. In related developments, several Western and allied governments reportedly helped evacuate their nationals from Khartoum using airlift capabilities. Reports indicated that citizens from the United Kingdom, the United States, France, and China were evacuated with military transport aircraft operated by their respective national forces, reflecting the international community’s concern for civilians amid the crisis. Observers note that such evacuations often accompany rapid shifts in the security landscape and can signal warning signs for broader regional stability. The conflict in Sudan reached a new phase on the morning of April 15 as clashes intensified between the forces under Burhan and the paramilitary units led by Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, who commands the Emergency Response Forces. The confrontation marked a turning point in a confrontation that had already drawn regional attention. Analysts described the opening phase as a decisive moment, with both sides signaling readiness to pursue their strategic objectives. The evolving situation has generated widespread discussion among regional experts about the implications for civilian safety, political transition processes, and the potential for renewed negotiations. These developments continue to shape the daily realities in Khartoum and other urban centers, where security operations, political messaging, and humanitarian considerations intersect in what observers call a critical juncture for Sudan’s future governance and stability. Notes from international observers emphasize that any progress toward de-escalation would require verifiable commitments from both sides and a clear mechanism to monitor ceasefire compliance. As events unfold, governments, aid organizations, and international partners are closely monitoring the situation to assess risks to civilians and to determine appropriate measures to protect those caught in the conflict. The current period is characterized by rapid changes, with official statements, military movements, and civilian responses converging in a complex, high-stakes environment for Sudan’s political and security landscape. Attribution: coverage and updates from Al Arabiya and corroborating sources indicate the fluid nature of the crisis and the array of actions taken by the involved parties.