SHENDI, Sudan — Sudan’s military forces successfully intercepted an unmanned aircraft targeting Khartoum’s primary airport on Monday, preventing any damage or injuries, according to airport authorities. The incident represents another escalation in Sudan’s devastating civil conflict, which has now entered its fourth year and brought the nation to a breaking point.
The attempted strike occurred just three days after the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group conducted a fatal drone assault that killed at least five civilians when it struck a passenger vehicle near Khartoum on Saturday.
According to airport authorities, Sudan’s air defense systems brought down the incoming drone as it approached from the southern direction on Monday, resulting in no harm or infrastructure damage. Military leadership verified that their forces had successfully neutralized the threat.
A military source informed The Associated Press that the unmanned aircraft originated from a bordering nation, though no additional specifics were provided. All sources requested anonymity as they lacked authorization to speak with journalists.
Operations at Khartoum International Airport experienced a temporary halt following the incident, though officials announced flights would recommence after standard security inspections. The airport’s progressive return to service last year represented a significant milestone in attempts to restore normalcy to Khartoum, which served as the primary battleground when hostilities erupted between government forces and the RSF in April 2023.
This past February marked only the second occasion a commercial aircraft had touched down at the facility since the conflict began.
While Khartoum has experienced relatively few RSF assaults since military forces regained control last year, the capital has witnessed intermittent attacks in recent weeks.
The ongoing warfare has claimed a minimum of 59,000 lives, according to data from Armed Conflict Location & Event Data, an independent monitoring organization. However, humanitarian organizations warn the actual death count may be significantly higher due to restricted access across Sudan’s expansive territory.
The United Nations reports that 12 million people have been forced from their homes due to the conflict, while portions of Sudan now face famine conditions.
