What's happened
On August 7, 2025, Sudanese forces bombed an Emirati aircraft at Nyala airport, killing at least 40 suspected Colombian mercenaries. The plane was reportedly ferrying fighters and military equipment for the RSF, amid ongoing Sudan-UAE tensions and accusations of foreign involvement in the conflict.
What's behind the headline?
The recent bombing at Nyala airport underscores the deepening proxy war in Sudan, with external powers like the UAE accused of fueling the conflict through mercenaries and military supplies. The UAE's denial contrasts with multiple reports from UN experts, satellite imagery, and Sudanese claims of documented support. The presence of Colombian mercenaries, confirmed by UN reports, indicates a broader international dimension, transforming Sudan's civil war into a proxy battleground. This escalation risks further regional destabilization, especially as Sudan's factions accuse each other of war crimes and foreign interference. The incident also signals a potential shift in the conflict's dynamics, with direct military engagement by Sudanese forces targeting foreign-backed assets, possibly foreshadowing increased violence and international involvement. The next phase will likely see intensified diplomatic and military responses, with regional and global powers weighing their interests amid ongoing chaos.
What the papers say
Al Jazeera, The New Arab, AP News, South China Morning Post, The Independent. These sources collectively highlight the complex web of accusations, denials, and evidence surrounding foreign involvement in Sudan's conflict. Al Jazeera and The New Arab emphasize the Sudanese military's claims and the UAE's denial, while AP News and South China Morning Post provide detailed accounts of the bombing, mercenary activity, and international reactions. The Independent offers a critical perspective on the broader geopolitical implications, illustrating how external actors like the UAE and Colombia are entangled in Sudan's ongoing civil war, which has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and millions displaced.
How we got here
The conflict in Sudan, ongoing since April 2023, involves the army and RSF, with accusations of external support from the UAE. Reports of foreign fighters, including Colombians, and alleged UAE arms shipments have fueled international concern. The region has seen repeated air strikes and accusations of mercenary recruitment, with Sudan asserting evidence of UAE-backed foreign involvement.
Go deeper
Common question
-
What Evidence Does Sudan Have of UAE Mercenary Support?
Sudan has accused the UAE of backing mercenaries fighting in its ongoing civil war, claiming to possess concrete evidence of foreign involvement. This raises questions about who these mercenaries are, where they come from, and what impact this support has on the conflict. Below, we explore the key details and answer common questions about this complex situation.
-
What’s Behind the Recent Sudan, Gaza, and UAE Conflicts?
Recent headlines reveal escalating tensions across Sudan, Gaza, and the UAE, raising questions about the causes, international involvement, and regional stability. From airstrikes in Sudan to accusations of genocide in Gaza, these conflicts are complex and deeply interconnected. Here’s what you need to know about the latest developments and what they mean for global peace and security.
-
Why Was Trump Nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize?
Recently, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet nominated Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, citing his role in brokering a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia. This unexpected nomination has sparked curiosity and debate about Trump's diplomatic efforts and their impact on regional stability. Below, we explore the details of this nomination, recent peace efforts, and what it means for international diplomacy.
-
What Happened in the Sudan Airstrike Targeting a UAE Plane?
The recent airstrike in Sudan has raised many questions about foreign involvement and regional tensions. On August 7, 2025, Sudanese forces targeted an Emirati aircraft at Nyala airport, resulting in significant casualties and international concern. This incident is part of a broader conflict involving Sudan, the UAE, and foreign mercenaries, prompting questions about who was responsible and why. Below, we explore the details of this event and what it means for regional stability.
More on these topics
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
Gustavo Francisco Petro Urrego is a Colombian politician, ex guerrilla member and a presidential candidate who previously served as mayor of Bogotá. A left-wing politician, Petro was a member of the revolutionary group M-19 in the 1980s.
-
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.
-
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.