A Sudanese military airstrike targeted an airport in the Darfur region that was under the control of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a powerful paramilitary group. The strike reportedly destroyed an Emirati military aircraft and killed around 40 suspected mercenaries, according to Sudanese officials and an advisor connected to a Darfur rebel faction aligned with the RSF.
The attack took place on Wednesday at Nyala Airport. According to two military officials and the rebel advisor — all of whom spoke anonymously due to safety concerns and lack of authorization — the strike also obliterated a cache of weapons and equipment allegedly sent by the United Arab Emirates to support the RSF.
Sudan has been in turmoil since April 2023, when escalating tensions between the national military and the RSF sparked a violent conflict that has since evolved into a civil war. The ongoing violence has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, displaced more than 14 million people, and pushed parts of the country into famine.
Sudan Warns Against Foreign Involvement
State-run Sudanese television reported that the aircraft had originated from a military base in the Gulf region and was struck after landing in Nyala. The government framed the strike as a direct warning to foreign powers, calling it a “new equation of deterrence” against external interference in Sudan’s internal affairs.
The UAE has not responded to requests for comment, though it has repeatedly denied involvement in the Sudanese conflict or providing support to armed factions. The RSF has also not issued a statement.
Following the reports, Colombian President Gustavo Petro stated on social media platform X that he had launched an investigation into the deaths of the alleged Colombian mercenaries.
The RSF captured Nyala, capital of South Darfur, last year and has since used the city's civilian airport for military purposes, according to Sudanese authorities. The government accuses the group of using the site to receive weapons and export gold. The military has carried out multiple strikes on the airport, claiming it is targeting flights delivering arms and foreign fighters to the RSF.
A United Nations report published in April confirmed that Colombian mercenaries were present in Darfur, having been contracted by a private security firm to assist the RSF. The Colombian government acknowledged the presence of its nationals and created a special task force to help bring them back safely.
Tensions Rise Between Sudan and UAE
Meanwhile, Sudan’s Civil Aviation Authority reported that the UAE abruptly blocked Sudanese planes from landing at its airports on Wednesday — a move described as “unexpected and uncoordinated.” A Sudanese aircraft was also reportedly prevented from departing Abu Dhabi, as per the state news agency SUNA.
The UAE has yet to comment on the alleged flight restrictions.
Diplomatic relations between Sudan’s military-led government and the UAE have deteriorated over allegations that Abu Dhabi is backing the RSF. Earlier this year, Sudan officially cut ties with the UAE over the accusations.