Rapid Support Forces drone strikes target gold mines in Sudan’s Blue Nile
October 29, 2026 (WAD AL-MAHI) – About 13 drones targeted gold mining sites, markets, and civilian service facilities in Sudan’s Blue Nile region, in the Wad Al-Mahi governorate, on Thursday.
The attacks caused significant material damage, including the destruction of a gasoline tanker and water basins used for extracting gold from raw ore.
The strikes are part of a broader campaign by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) targeting energy and infrastructure facilities in areas controlled by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).
Accusations of foreign involvement
The latest aerial bombardment occurs amid accusations from the Sudanese government that neighbouring Ethiopia is facilitating the launch of these drones from its territory.
Wad Al-Mahi Governor Mahjoub Al-Sheikh told Sudan Tribune that the RSF drone strikes hit multiple locations across the governorate.
Al-Sheikh stated that three drones targeted general mining operations, which resulted in the burning of a critical fuel tank.
Another drone struck the Al-Khulafa Al-Rashidun mining site, causing extensive damage to its gold processing water basins.
Strikes disrupt gold processing
The governor added that mines in the Al-Ratiq area were hit by four drones, which also destroyed processing basins.
A separate drone targeted the Al-Libi Company site, inflicting similar damage to its mining infrastructure.
The RSF attacks were not limited to industrial sites, extending to civilian areas including a local market, a school, and a health centre in Wad Al-Mahi.
Similar drone strikes hit mining operations in South Kordofan earlier this week, specifically targeting raw rock processing facilities.
Economic warfare and sanctions
The deliberate targeting of these sites indicates the RSF’s strategic effort to disrupt Sudan’s vital gold production.
The Sudanese government relies almost entirely on gold exports to fund its national budget after the war collapsed other economic sectors.
Authorities utilize gold revenues to sustain the military war effort and to import strategic commodities, including fuel and wheat flour.
The European Union and the United Kingdom have previously sanctioned mining companies linked to both the SAF and the RSF.
International regulators accuse these corporate entities of directly financing the armed conflict that has devastated Sudan since 2023.