Sudanese Army Intercepts Drone Attacks on Khartoum and Atbara
The Sudanese army reported that its air defenses intercepted a swarm of drones targeting Omdurman, located west of Khartoum, and the northern city of Atbara early Friday morning.
Drone Attacks and Anti-Aircraft Response
Residents in Omdurman informed Anadolu Agency that heavy anti-aircraft fire was heard after multiple drones struck the city's northern districts before dawn. Witnesses in Atbara described a similar drone swarm attack around 3 a.m. local time, followed by intense artillery fire from army positions.
Casualties and Official Statements
The extent of casualties and damage from these attacks remains unknown. Neither the Sudanese army nor the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have released official statements about the strikes.
Context of the Attacks
According to Sudan News, the RSF carried out the drone strikes early Friday. This occurred despite the RSF announcing on Thursday its agreement to a humanitarian ceasefire proposed by the Quad countries—the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.
The RSF has not given details on the ceasefire's conditions or how it will be implemented. Neither the Quad nor the Sudanese army has commented on the announcement so far.
Previous Accusations Against RSF
Sudanese authorities have frequently accused the RSF of launching drone attacks on civilian locations in Khartoum and other cities. The RSF, however, has not publicly responded to these claims.
"Residents in Omdurman told Anadolu that they heard heavy anti-aircraft fire after several drones attacked the city's northern districts before dawn."
"The RSF said on Thursday that it had agreed to a humanitarian truce in Sudan proposed by the Quad countries — the US, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt."
Author's summary: Despite RSF’s announced humanitarian truce, drone attacks targeted Khartoum and Atbara, with the army intercepting them and ongoing uncertainty about casualties and ceasefire details.