Sudanese army air defense systems intercepted several suicide drones allegedly launched by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in an attempt to target civilian areas in Khartoum and River Nile states, Sudan, according to reports. Military sources and witnesses stated that the drones targeted five cities across Sudan on Wednesday.
Witnesses reported seeing swarms of drones flying over Omdurman and Bahri in Khartoum before the army's air defenses engaged them, with explosions heard in several areas. Social media videos appeared to show drones over Omdurman, Bahri, and Atbara, with some footage showing drones crashing into residential areas, though the footage has not been independently verified.
In River Nile State, military sources speaking to Anadolu reported that the attacks targeted Atbara and Al-Damar. Witnesses reported hearing anti-aircraft fire in those areas.
Drone activity in North Kordofan
In North Kordofan State, the Sudanese army shot down or intercepted a drone over El-Obeid. Additional unmanned aerial vehicles were also detected over the city. Witnesses told Anadolu that the army shot down a drone over El-Obeid.
No immediate information was available regarding casualties or damage resulting from these reported drone attacks.
Context of the conflict
Sudan News reported that these drone launches coincided with setbacks for the RSF in the Kordofan region, where the Sudanese army has recently increased military operations. The report suggested the attacks appeared aimed at boosting RSF fighter morale following battlefield losses, although the claim could not be independently verified.
The Sudanese army has expanded operations in the Kordofan region and stated it has captured several towns and strategic positions from the RSF in recent weeks. Earlier this year, the Sudanese army consolidated control over Khartoum.
The RSF has increasingly utilized long-range drones to strike military sites and infrastructure in army-held territory, including recent attacks targeting Port Sudan, Atbara, and Dongola.
The conflict in Sudan has been ongoing since April 2023, following a dispute over plans to integrate the RSF into the regular military. The war has killed tens of thousands of people, displaced millions, and triggered one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.
