Egypt, Gulf states condemn RSF drone strikes on Sudan’s Port Sudan, Kassala
May 4, 2025 (PORT SUDAN) – Egypt and several Gulf nations condemned drone attacks reportedly carried out by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on the Sudanese cities of Port Sudan and Kassala on Sunday.
Sudan’s military said they intercepted most drones targeting an airbase near Port Sudan’s strategic airport, acknowledging some damage but no deaths.
The attack on Port Sudan followed a similar strike that was reported at Kassala’s airport on Saturday.
Lieutenant General Mahjoub Bishara, the Red Sea military commander, said 11 “suicide drones” targeted the Osman Digna air base and other facilities near Port Sudan International Airport starting at 3:30 a.m. (0130 GMT) Sunday and lasting about four hours.
He told diplomats that air defences downed or neutralized all the drones, with some falling into the sea and seven recovered by the army. However, he added that a “strategic drone” caused some material damage to the base, resulting in minor injuries among personnel.
Port Sudan’s airport temporarily suspended flights before reopening at 5 p.m. (1500 GMT), Bishara said.
Sunday’s incident was the first reported drone strike on Port Sudan, Sudan’s main sea gateway on the Red Sea, since the conflict between the army and the RSF erupted in April 2023. The city has served as the government’s temporary administrative base since fighting devastated the capital, Khartoum.
Sudan’s Foreign Ministry in Port Sudan denounced the attacks as a continuation of the RSF’s “destructive, devastating approach” and labelled the acts “terrorist”.
In a statement, the ministry accused the RSF and its “regional sponsor”, explicitly naming the United Arab Emirates, of seeking to destroy infrastructure and undermine stability. It urged the international community to pressure the UAE to halt alleged arms supplies, funding and planning for the RSF.
There was no immediate comment from the RSF or the UAE government on the accusations or the reported attacks.
Condemnations came swiftly from regional powers
Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry condemned the targeting of vital facilities, calling it a threat to regional security and urging adherence to the May 2023 Jeddah pact aimed at protecting civilians. Riyadh reiterated calls for a ceasefire and political dialogue.
Qatar deemed the targeting of infrastructure a violation of international law and a serious threat to regional security, reaffirming support for Sudan’s unity.
Kuwait called the attacks a “dangerous turn” and urged a ceasefire and respect for the Jeddah declaration protecting civilians and state institutions.
Egypt said targeting infrastructure harmed stability efforts and aid access, condemning the strikes and calling for a ceasefire.
Djibouti also condemned the attacks, stating they worsen suffering and threaten regional stability, calling for an end to the conflict and a Sudanese-led solution without external interference.