What's happened
Since May 2025, Sudan's war has intensified, with RSF launching drone strikes on key infrastructure in Darfur and Port Sudan. Civilian casualties and infrastructure damage have worsened, deepening the humanitarian crisis amid accusations of external support and ongoing fighting between RSF and the army.
What's behind the headline?
The recent escalation in Sudan's conflict reveals a shift towards aerial warfare, with drone strikes becoming a primary tactic for the RSF. This indicates a significant increase in the group's military capabilities, likely bolstered by external support, despite official denials. The targeting of critical infrastructure such as water supplies, hospitals, and transportation hubs worsens the humanitarian crisis, risking further displacement and famine. The international community's response remains divided; while the AU condemns interference, evidence suggests external support, notably from the UAE, complicates diplomatic efforts. The conflict's trajectory suggests a prolonged stalemate, with the potential for regional destabilization if external backing continues. The escalation underscores the urgent need for renewed diplomatic engagement and humanitarian access to prevent further catastrophe.
What the papers say
The articles from The New Arab and Al Jazeera provide detailed accounts of the recent drone attacks and their impact on civilians and infrastructure, highlighting the escalation of violence and external support allegations. The AFP reports corroborate the increasing intensity of strikes on strategic sites like Port Sudan and el-Fasher, emphasizing the deteriorating humanitarian situation. Contrasting perspectives include the UAE's denial of arming the RSF, while reports from Amnesty International and UN investigations suggest ongoing covert arms transfers. The coverage collectively underscores the complexity of the conflict, with external actors playing a pivotal role amidst a backdrop of intense ground fighting and humanitarian collapse.
How we got here
The conflict in Sudan began in April 2023, rooted in a power struggle between the military-led government and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The war has divided the country, with the army controlling the north, east, and center, while the RSF dominates Darfur and parts of the south. The fighting has caused tens of thousands of deaths, mass displacement, and widespread humanitarian crises, including famine and infrastructure destruction. External actors, notably the UAE, are accused of supporting the RSF with arms, though denials persist. The conflict has also seen a rise in drone warfare, targeting strategic sites and civilian infrastructure, exacerbating the humanitarian toll.
Go deeper
Common question
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What are the latest developments in the Sudan conflict?
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has escalated dramatically, with recent attacks leading to significant casualties and humanitarian crises. Understanding the latest developments is crucial for grasping the broader implications of this conflict. Below, we address common questions surrounding the situation in Sudan, including its historical roots and the impact on civilians.
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What is the current state of the civil war in Sudan?
The civil war in Sudan has escalated dramatically since its onset in April 2023, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis. With ongoing violence and significant civilian casualties, many are left wondering about the current situation and its implications. Below are some common questions regarding the conflict and its impact on the people of Sudan.
More on these topics
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The Rapid Support Forces are Sudanese paramilitary forces operated by the Sudanese Government. The RSF grew out of, and is primarily composed of, the Janjaweed militias which fought on behalf of the Sudanese government during the War in Darfur, killing an
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Sudan, officially the Republic of the Sudan, is a country in North-East Africa. It is bordered by Egypt to the north, Libya to the northwest, Chad to the west, the Central African Republic to the southwest, South Sudan to the south, Ethiopia to the southe
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Port Sudan is a port city in eastern Sudan, and the capital of the state of Red Sea. As of 2007, it has 489,725 residents. Located on the Red Sea, it is Sudan's main seaport.
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The Sudanese Armed Forces are the military forces of the Republic of the Sudan. During the 39-month transition to democracy that started in September 2019, the August 2019 Draft Constitutional Declaration defines the Supreme Commander of the Sudanese Arme
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Khartoum or Khartum is the capital of Sudan. With a population of 5,274,321, its metropolitan area is the largest in Sudan, the sixth-largest in Africa, the second-largest in North Africa, and the fourth-largest in the Arab world.
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Darfur is a region of western Sudan. Dār is an Arabic word meaning "home [of]" – the region was named Dardaju while ruled by the Daju, who migrated from Meroë c. 350 AD, and it was renamed Dartunjur when the Tunjur ruled the area.
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Lt. Gen. Abdel Fattah Abdelrahman al-Burhan is a Sudanese politician and Sudanese Army general who is currently serving as Chairman of the Sovereignty Council of Sudan, the country's collective transitional head of state.
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The United Arab Emirates, sometimes simply called the Emirates, is a sovereign state in Western Asia at the northeast end of the Arabian Peninsula on the Persian Gulf, bordering Oman to the east and Saudi Arabia to the south and west, as well as sharing m