What's happened
Sudan says Ethiopian bases are used to launch drones against Sudan, with claims that 70 drone attacks have targeted Sudan since February 2026, killing civilians and soldiers. Ethiopia denies backing RSF and accuses Sudan of supporting TPLF-linked rebels. The conflict has escalated with power stations and civilian sites hit, triggering UN calls for a ceasefire.
What's behind the headline?
Brief
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The Sudanese army says drones have been launched from Ethiopian soil since February 2026, targeting cities and civilians. Launch sites include Assosa, Bahir Dar, and areas along the Sudanese border. This aligns with a broader pattern of drone use in the conflict but hinges on unverified claims by Sudan's transitional council.
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Ethiopia denies backing the RSF and accuses Sudan of supporting TPLF-linked rebels, highlighting the mutual accusations that fuel regional instability.
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The reports cite multiple drone attacks causing civilian casualties and power outages, including strikes on substations that disrupt hospitals and services, intensifying humanitarian concerns.
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UN Secretary‑General has condemned drone attacks on civilians, calling for a cessation of hostilities as the first step toward ending the conflict.
Forecast
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If the claims of Ethiopian launch sites are verified, regional actors may face escalating diplomatic pressure and potential sanctions. The humanitarian impact will likely worsen as civilian infrastructure remains targeted.
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A broader regional confrontation could emerge if cross-border drone warfare continues, complicating any path to ceasefire or peace talks.
How we got here
The reports come amid a broader war between Sudan's army and the RSF since April 2023. Both sides accuse each other of foreign support and of enabling drone strikes from neighboring Ethiopia and across borders. Observers note drone warfare has intensified, raising concerns about civilians and critical infrastructure.
Our analysis
The New Arab, Arab News, All Africa report similar timelines and cite drone strikes from Ethiopian territory and the ensuing humanitarian impact. The New Arab provides a detailed account of alleged launch sites and casualty figures, while Arab News summarizes the same allegations and references the Transitional Sovereignty Council report. All Africa compiles details from official briefings, including drone models and locations, and notes Sudan’s intent to file complaints with international bodies. The sources largely corroborate the pattern but differ on attribution and specific incidents.
Go deeper
- What evidence would confirm launch sites in Ethiopia?
- How might international bodies pressure regional actors to halt cross-border drone strikes?
- What protections are in place for civilians amid ongoing drone attacks?
More on these topics
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Bahir Dar - City in Ethiopia
Bahir Dar is a capital of the Amhara Region in Ethiopia and former capital of West Gojjam. Administratively, Bahir Dar is a Special Zone.
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Sudan - Country in North Africa
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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Ethiopia - Country in East Africa
Ethiopia, officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, is a landlocked country in East Africa. It shares borders with Eritrea to the north, Djibouti to the northeast, Somalia to the east, Kenya to the south, South Sudan to the west and Sudan to
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Khartoum - Capital of Sudan
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.