Sudan army says it countered RSF drone attacks on Port Sudan for sixth day

May 9, 2025 (PORT SUDAN) – The Sudanese army said on Friday it had confronted drone attacks by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on the interim capital, Port Sudan, for the sixth consecutive day.

Military anti-aircraft units fired intensively to repel drones flying over central Port Sudan, site of Sudan’s main Red Sea ports, and northern areas of the city where the army’s Flamingo naval base is located, according to Sudan Tribune reporter in Port Sudan.

The army’s statement follows a period between Sunday and Wednesday when RSF drones reportedly successfully targeted facilities at the Osman Digna airbase, adjacent to Port Sudan International Airport. Those attacks also hit strategic oil depots and privately-owned warehouses near the southern port, in addition to shelling the Flamingo naval base.

However, the army said its forces subsequently repelled drone attacks on Thursday and Friday, with reports suggesting several “suicide” drones were downed. These later attacks were said to have focused on the Flamingo naval base and the air college headquarters within the base.

Drone activity was also reported on Thursday evening over the Flamingo naval base north of Port Sudan and the Kenana airbase, south of Rabak, the capital of White Nile State. Army anti-aircraft systems engaged these drones, the military indicated.

Earlier on Thursday, an RSF drone reportedly targeted fuel depots in Kosti, White Nile State, causing significant fires and large plumes of smoke. The same wave of attacks allegedly struck the army’s 18th Division headquarters and army positions in Tendelti, west of Kosti, resulting in an unspecified number of military and civilian casualties.

The RSF has intensified its drone attacks this week, primarily targeting fuel depots, airports, and military airbases in Port Sudan, Kassala, and Kenana, according to military assessments.