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Drone Strikes Target Sudanese Army Base Amid Ongoing Conflict
Explore the recent drone strikes on a Sudanese army base, highlighting the escalating tensions and ongoing conflict in the region. Stay informed about the implications and developments surrounding this critical situation.
Drone Strikes Target Sudanese Army Base
On Wednesday, Sudan’s military reported that two drone strikes targeted an army base in the eastern region of the country. This incident occurred shortly after a graduation ceremony that was attended by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the de facto leader of Sudan. General al-Burhan has been embroiled in a civil conflict for over a year, pitted against a rival military leader.
The army announced that the drone strikes resulted in the deaths of at least five individuals, with several others sustaining injuries. The attack took place in Gebeit, a town approximately 50 miles from Port Sudan, which serves as the wartime capital controlled by the army. Military spokesperson Nabil Abdallah informed the BBC that General al-Burhan narrowly escaped an assassination attempt, attributing the attack to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group that has been engaged in a power struggle with the army for the past 15 months.
As of now, military officials have not provided further comments regarding the incident. Although the military shared statements on social media, they did not clarify whether General al-Burhan had sustained any injuries or his exact location during the drone strikes. Videos were released showing him interacting with soldiers and civilians both before and after the graduation event, suggesting he was present in the vicinity.
No group has yet claimed responsibility for the drone attacks. The media office of the RSF has not responded to inquiries regarding the situation.
The ongoing conflict between General al-Burhan and his adversary, Lieutenant General Mohamed Hamdan—who leads the RSF—has plunged Sudan, one of Africa’s largest countries, into chaos. According to estimates from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project, over 18,000 people have lost their lives due to the violence, although aid workers believe the actual death toll could be significantly higher.
Additionally, the United Nations reports that at least 10 million individuals have been displaced from their homes as a result of the conflict. More than half of Sudan’s population of 48 million is now facing acute hunger, with hundreds of thousands on the brink of famine.