Sudan Accuses UAE and Ethiopia of Drone Attack on Khartoum Airport
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KHARTOUM, Sudan — The Sudanese government accused the United Arab Emirates and Ethiopia of involvement in a drone attack on Khartoum International Airport on Sunday, escalating regional tensions in a country already reeling from prolonged civil conflict.
State media and government officials stated that the assault targeted the airport’s infrastructure, causing significant disruption to air traffic. The government did not specify the number of casualties or the extent of the damage but confirmed that emergency services responded to the scene shortly after the incident occurred late Sunday night.
In a statement released Monday, Sudanese officials explicitly named the UAE and Ethiopia as the orchestrators of the strike. The accusation marks a significant escalation in diplomatic rhetoric, as both nations have previously been implicated in regional power struggles involving Sudan’s warring factions. The government provided no immediate evidence to support the claim, and neither the UAE nor Ethiopia has publicly commented on the allegations.
The attack comes amid a volatile security environment in Sudan, where a civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has displaced millions and drawn in external actors. Neighboring countries have long been accused of backing different sides in the conflict, though direct involvement in attacks on civilian infrastructure remains a sensitive diplomatic issue.
Khartoum International Airport serves as a critical hub for humanitarian aid and commercial flights. The disruption caused by the drone strike has raised concerns among international organizations about the flow of supplies into the capital. Airport operations were temporarily suspended following the incident, with flights resuming only after security assessments were completed.
Regional analysts note that the accusation could strain relations between Sudan and its neighbors, particularly as diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict have stalled. The UAE and Ethiopia have both engaged in mediation talks in the past, but the current allegations suggest a deterioration in trust.
The Sudanese government has called for an international investigation into the attack, urging the United Nations and African Union to intervene. However, no such inquiry has been announced, and the circumstances surrounding the drone strike remain unclear. Questions persist regarding the origin of the drone, the specific targets within the airport, and the strategic intent behind the operation.
As of Monday afternoon, no further details have emerged from the scene. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for additional developments as regional actors respond to the accusations. The incident underscores the complex web of alliances and rivalries shaping the conflict in Sudan, with external involvement continuing to complicate efforts to restore stability.