Sudan accuses UAE of supplying long-range drones to RSF
December 2, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) – The Sudanese Ministry of Defence announced Monday that the United Arab Emirates has been supplying the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) with advanced, long-range drones equipped with guided missiles.
These drones, the ministry claims, have been launched from within Chad and represent a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
Maj Gen Ahmed Saleh Aboud, speaking on behalf of the ministry during a press briefing attended by the ministers of defence, foreign affairs, and information, stated that the UAE provided the RSF with a “new and advanced type of large suicide drone” after an earlier version proved ineffective.
These drones, with a wingspan of 5.3 meters and a payload capacity of 50 kilograms of explosives, are reportedly being delivered in large quantities to the RSF via Chad through the Adré border crossing.
Aboud claimed the new drones were first used in an attack on Omdurman on November 24, launched from a Chadian airport. He further alleged that RSF fighters are being trained by experts from Abu Dhabi in the UAE, Khartoum, and Darfur.
“Clear act of aggression”
Defence Minister Yassin Ibrahim condemned the UAE’s actions as a “clear act of aggression against the state” and asserted Sudan’s right to respond.
He also reported significant battlefield gains by the Sudanese army, including the capture of Um Al-Qura in Al-Jazira state and advances towards Um Rawaba in North Darfur state.
Foreign Minister Ali Youssif accused the UAE of “complicity in crimes” due to its alleged recruitment of mercenaries and provision of extensive military aid to the RSF. He also implicated Chad and other unnamed countries in facilitating the transfer of weapons and mercenaries to the RSF.
“Dangerous development”
Information Minister Khalid Al-A’isir labelled the UAE’s alleged supply of drones a “dangerous development,” stating that the conflict has entered a new phase with the introduction of these strategic weapons.
He warned media outlets against biased reporting, threatening permanent closure for those who violate journalistic objectivity.
Al-A’isir called on the United Nations, the Arab League, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to hold emergency sessions to address the alleged violations by the UAE and Chad.