The Sudanese government has accused Ethiopia of launching 162 drone attacks from its territory, resulting in the deaths of over 400 civilians and 102 military personnel. The attacks, which have not been independently verified, allegedly targeted various locations including El Damazin, El Mazmum, and El Obeid. The Sudanese government claims that the drones were launched from bases in Assosa, Bahir Dar, and locations along the Sudanese border.
The Sudanese officials identified several types of aircraft allegedly used in the attacks, including modified kamikaze drones and long-range models. These included Chinese-made drones and the Turkish-made Bayraktar Akıncı and Bayraktar TB2. Sudanese forces had shot down several drones, including Akıncı and CH-95 models. The government claims that the attacks have destroyed dozens of schools, fuel stations, health centres, and hospitals.
The accusations were presented at a briefing attended by senior military and intelligence officials and undersecretaries from the foreign affairs and information ministries. Muawiya Osman Khalid, undersecretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the government was pursuing a policy of “strategic patience” but would not compromise on defending Sudan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Khalid called on the international community to take concrete action to stop what he described as aggression threatening civilian lives and regional stability. The Sudanese government claims that the strikes were intended to prevent displaced people from returning to their homes, particularly in Khartoum, and undermine efforts to restore normal life.
The government also alleged that the attacks risked widening the conflict into a regional confrontation aimed at weakening Sudan. Ethiopia has previously rejected allegations of supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), describing them as unfounded. The RSF has been involved in the conflict in Sudan, and the Sudanese government has accused several countries of providing it with support.
Defence Minister Hassan Daoud Kabroun said more than 20 countries were involved in Sudan’s war by providing the RSF with logistical support, mercenaries, funding, and drones. Kabroun described the conflict as a war aimed at destroying Sudan, plundering its resources, and changing its demographic composition, rather than a civil war or struggle for power.
The Sudanese government intends to defeat what it calls “the rebellion, militias, and illegal movements”, secure the country, and work towards building a modern democratic state based on transparency. The conflict in Sudan has resulted in significant humanitarian and economic costs, and the Sudanese government is seeking international support to address the crisis.
Key points
- Sudan accuses Ethiopia of launching 162 drone attacks, killing over 400 civilians and 102 military personnel.
- The Sudanese government claims that Ethiopia is supporting the Rapid Support Forces.
- Defence Minister Hassan Daoud Kabroun says more than 20 countries are involved in Sudan’s war by providing the RSF with support.
