What's happened
On May 6, 2025, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched drone strikes on Port Sudan, targeting civilian and military infrastructure, including the airport and a fuel depot. This marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese military, which has already resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and widespread displacement.
What's behind the headline?
Escalation of Conflict
The recent drone attacks on Port Sudan signify a dangerous escalation in the ongoing conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese military.
- Strategic Targeting: The RSF's choice to strike civilian infrastructure, such as the airport and fuel depots, indicates a shift in tactics aimed at undermining the military's operational capabilities and instilling fear among civilians.
- Humanitarian Crisis: With Port Sudan serving as a critical hub for humanitarian aid, these attacks threaten to exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation, as nearly 25 million people face food insecurity.
- International Implications: The involvement of external actors, such as the United Arab Emirates, which has been accused of supplying drones to the RSF, complicates the conflict further and raises concerns about regional stability.
The situation in Sudan will likely continue to deteriorate unless a ceasefire is negotiated, as both sides appear entrenched in their positions.
What the papers say
According to the New York Times, the RSF's drone strikes on Port Sudan have left the city rattled, with eyewitnesses reporting smoke and explosions. Khalid Ali Aleisir, Sudan's information minister, condemned the attacks as 'criminal and terrorist.' Meanwhile, The Independent highlights that these strikes disrupted air traffic and targeted key military and civilian sites, emphasizing the RSF's growing capabilities. The South China Morning Post notes that the RSF's reliance on drones has increased since losing territory, indicating a strategic shift in their approach to warfare. The New Arab adds that these attacks are seen as retaliation for previous military actions against RSF positions, illustrating the cycle of violence that continues to plague Sudan.
How we got here
The conflict in Sudan began in April 2023, stemming from tensions between the military and the RSF. The RSF has increasingly utilized drone technology to extend its reach following territorial losses, including much of Khartoum. Port Sudan had previously been a refuge for displaced civilians.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of the drone attacks?
- How has the humanitarian situation changed in Sudan?
- What role does the UAE play in this conflict?
Common question
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What triggered the recent drone attacks in Sudan?
The recent escalation of drone warfare in Sudan has raised numerous questions about the conflict's dynamics and its impact on civilians. As the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launch drone strikes on key infrastructure, understanding the triggers and implications of these attacks becomes crucial. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this alarming development.
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How Are Drone Strikes Affecting Humanitarian Efforts in Sudan?
The recent escalation of drone strikes in Sudan has raised urgent questions about the humanitarian crisis in the region. As the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) intensify their military actions, the impact on civilians and humanitarian efforts becomes increasingly dire. This page explores the current state of the crisis, the actions being taken by international organizations, and how this conflict compares to other global humanitarian emergencies.
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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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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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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Egypt, officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, is a transcontinental country spanning the northeast corner of Africa and southwest corner of Asia by a land bridge formed by the Sinai Peninsula.
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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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Kassala is the capital of the state of Kassala in eastern Sudan. Its 2008 population was recorded to be 419,030. Built on the banks of the Gash River, it is a market town and is famous for its fruit gardens.
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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