The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) announced on September 24, 2026, that its air defences had successfully brought down an FH-95 drone in North Kordofan state. According to the army, the drone was shot down on Thursday morning north-east of the Al-Kukaiti area. The incident occurs as fighting between the SAF and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) escalates in the region. The SAF released a statement confirming the shootdown.
A video reviewed by Radio Tamazuj, circulated by army-aligned platforms, shows the wreckage of the drone with soldiers gathered around it. The RSF could not be reached for immediate comment on the incident. The shootdown is the latest development in the intensified fighting in North Kordofan, where the SAF and RSF are battling for control of strategic areas and supply routes.
Drones have become a significant feature of the conflict in Sudan. In July, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk reported that his office had documented 15 drone strikes in and around El Obeid between June 6 and 28, resulting in at least 45 civilian deaths and 41 injuries. Both sides have been accused of operating drones that have struck civilian targets.
Recent drone strikes have caused significant damage to civilian infrastructure and humanitarian supplies. On September 20, drone strikes on two warehouses in Shikan locality, North Kordofan, destroyed over 292,000 school textbooks, 40,000 Arabic-language and mathematics review books, and other educational materials, according to UNICEF. The agency did not attribute the strikes to either party.
The conflict between the SAF and RSF began in April 2023, sparked by a dispute over the integration of the two forces into a single military. North Kordofan has become a crucial front in the conflict due to its strategic location and links between central Sudan and the western regions. The region's importance has contributed to the escalation of fighting.
The use of drones in the conflict has raised concerns about civilian casualties and the targeting of non-military infrastructure. The international community has called for restraint and a return to negotiations to resolve the conflict. However, the situation on the ground remains volatile, with both sides accusing each other of aggression.
The Sudanese army's claim to have shot down the FH-95 drone highlights the ongoing military dynamics in the conflict. The incident underscores the continued use of drones by both sides and the risks of civilian harm. The situation in North Kordofan and other affected areas remains a concern for humanitarian organizations and the international community.
Key points
- The Sudanese army shot down an FH-95 drone in North Kordofan state on September 24, 2026.
- The incident occurs amid intensified fighting between the SAF and RSF in the region.
- Drones have been used by both sides in the conflict, resulting in civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure.
