A series of drone attacks were reported early Tuesday near Khartoum International Airport, escalating tensions in Sudan as the facility prepares for its long-awaited reopening on Wednesday. According to local and international media, the attacks occurred between 4 am and 6 am, with witnesses hearing the sounds of drones flying over various parts of central and southern Khartoum.
The airport has been closed since April 2023 due to ongoing clashes between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which have severely damaged much of the city’s infrastructure. Local media outlet Rakoba News reported more than eight blasts in the vicinity of the airport and attributed the attacks to the RSF, utilizing drones described as “suicide drones.”
A security source indicated that Sudan’s military was able to intercept some of the drones during the onslaught, although there were no immediate claims of responsibility for the attacks and details regarding casualties or damage remained sparse. Notably, the strikes also affected Omdurman, located to the north of Khartoum, which houses several significant military installations.
The drone attacks occur one day before the airport is expected to resume operations, an event eagerly anticipated by citizens who have faced disruptions for over two years. The Sudan Civil Aviation Authority announced plans to gradually recommence domestic flights, following necessary technical and operational preparations.
The recent drone activity marks the third instance of such attacks within one week, with previous strikes targeting two army bases in northwest Khartoum. Despite the army’s reclaiming of control in the city earlier this year, violence has not abated, with the RSF facing accusations of repeatedly targeting both military and civilian infrastructure.
In light of these developments, the Sudanese government has initiated a comprehensive reconstruction campaign, facilitating the return of government officials to Khartoum from Port Sudan, where they operated during the RSF’s domination of the capital. Nevertheless, significant portions of the city remain in disrepair, and many residents continue to endure frequent power outages attributed to the RSF’s ongoing drone activities.
The wider conflict in Sudan has resulted in immense humanitarian challenges, claiming tens of thousands of lives, displacing nearly 12 million individuals, and contributing to one of the largest displacement and hunger crises globally. Recent warnings from the United Nations highlight the potential for further atrocities should the RSF succeed in taking control of additional territories in Darfur.
As the situation evolves, the international community remains watchful, with hopes for a peaceful and stable resolution to the ongoing crisis.
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