What Happened in Khartoum
Sudan has accused Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates of involvement in drone attacks on Khartoum International Airport. The strikes also targeted several military sites in the Greater Khartoum region. Authorities say the attacks disrupted airport operations and forced a temporary shutdown.
Officials confirmed that no casualties were reported. However, the incident has raised serious security concerns in the capital.
Government Response and Allegations
Sudan described the strikes as direct aggression against its sovereignty. The army claims it has evidence showing drones were launched from Bahir Dar airport in Ethiopia.
Military officials also stated that one drone linked to the UAE entered Sudanese airspace and was later shot down. Sudanese authorities have previously accused the Rapid Support Forces of operating with support from outside the country.
The government has recalled its ambassador from Ethiopia for consultations after the incident.
Reactions From Ethiopia and UAE
Ethiopia rejected the accusations and called them baseless. The United Arab Emirates has not issued a new statement on the latest claims. In earlier comments, the UAE denied any military involvement in Sudan’s internal conflict.
Background to the Conflict
Sudan has been facing an ongoing conflict between the national army and the Rapid Support Forces since 2023. Khartoum airport has repeatedly been a key strategic site in the fighting.
The airport had recently seen a return of limited international flights after years of disruption. The latest drone attacks came shortly after this brief return to normal operations.
Reports have also suggested regional tensions involving neighboring countries, though these claims remain disputed.
Impact on Airport Operations
Following the attacks, Sudanese authorities suspended airport operations for 72 hours. This decision was made to ensure safety and assess damage. The suspension has disrupted travel and highlighted the fragile security situation in the capital.
