Air Defenses Thwart Drone Attack Over Khartoum

Khartoum International Airport became the focal point of conflict on Monday as Sudanese air defenses intercepted drones, according to reports from military and local sources. This incident marks an escalation in the ongoing clashes between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

A military source told AFP, “Our air defenses successfully downed drones that were targeting Khartoum airport,” asserting that the situation remained under control.

Loud explosions and anti-aircraft fire were reported by witnesses across the eastern districts of the city, including Arkweet, Burri, and Riyadh. Smoke was observed rising near the airport, signaling active engagement by defense systems against the drone threat.

In the Safa neighborhood, located to the east of the airport, residents shared that blasts shook their area. Social media videos from journalists and activists appeared to capture smoke rising around the airport vicinity.

As of now, there has been no official statement from Sudanese authorities about the event.

This attack follows closely on the heels of another drone strike attributed to the RSF, which reportedly killed five civilians when it hit a vehicle west of Khartoum, as stated by the Emergency Lawyers group.

The use of drones has intensified in recent months as the conflict between the army and the RSF escalates. Both sides have increasingly resorted to drone warfare, resulting in significant casualties.

The discord, which began in April 2023 over issues related to the RSF’s integration into the military, has spiraled into a severe humanitarian crisis. The toll is staggering, with tens of thousands killed and approximately 13 million people displaced.

Authorities and rights organizations in Sudan have accused the RSF of attacking civilian infrastructure, though the paramilitary group has generally refrained from commenting on these allegations, asserting that their operations aim to protect civilians.