Sudan Blames Ethiopia and UAE for Drone Strikes on Khartoum Airport

Sudan has accused Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates of orchestrating drone attacks on Khartoum International Airport and nearby military sites, calling the strikes a 'direct aggression' against the country. The attacks mark a sharp escalation in the conflict that has already devastated Sudan.

The airport, a critical hub in Sudan’s capital, was forced to suspend operations following the assault. These strikes come after a fragile calm in Khartoum was shattered, raising fears of further regional destabilization and complicating efforts to end Sudan’s ongoing civil war.

Details of the Drone Attacks and Sudan’s Response

On Monday, drone strikes targeted Khartoum International Airport and military installations across Greater Khartoum. Sudan’s military claims to have conclusive evidence that the drones were launched from Bahir Dar airport in Ethiopia. The attacks caused minor damage and no casualties, but forced a 72-hour suspension of airport operations.

Sudan’s Foreign Minister Mohieddin Salem condemned the attacks, recalling Sudan’s ambassador to Ethiopia for consultations and accusing both Ethiopia and the UAE of choosing a 'wrong path' that they would regret.

Ethiopia and UAE Deny Involvement Amid Rising Tensions

Ethiopia has dismissed Sudan’s accusations as 'baseless,' emphasizing the historic friendship between the two nations. The Ethiopian Foreign Ministry urged dialogue between Sudan’s warring factions and condemned violations of its own territorial integrity linked to the conflict.

The UAE has not commented on the latest allegations but has previously denied any military support to Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which have been involved in the civil war.

Background: The Role of Drones and Regional Dynamics

Sudan’s military first accused the RSF of launching drone attacks from Ethiopian territory earlier this year. Reports have suggested Ethiopia hosts training camps for RSF fighters and has upgraded airports for drone operations, allegedly with UAE backing—claims both countries deny.

• Khartoum International Airport has been a key battleground in Sudan’s civil war since 2023.
• The conflict has caused over 150,000 deaths and displaced 12 million people.
• The war has triggered famine and allegations of genocide, especially in Darfur.

What Lies Ahead for Sudan and the Region?

The drone strikes threaten to deepen the humanitarian crisis and complicate peace efforts in Sudan. With regional actors accused of involvement, the conflict risks expanding beyond Sudan’s borders, underscoring the urgent need for diplomatic engagement.

Sudan’s Foreign Minister Mohieddin Salem warned that Ethiopia and the UAE had chosen the 'wrong path' and would regret their actions.—Mohieddin Salem, Sudanese Foreign Minister