Yale lab identifies dozens of suicide drones in RSF-controlled Nyala
FEBRUARY 6, 2026 (NYALA) – The Yale School of Public Health’s Humanitarian Research Lab (HRL), which uses satellite imagery to monitor the nearly three-year war in Sudan, published a report on Friday disclosing the identification of at least 85 objects consistent with loitering munitions across two sites in Nyala.
The findings, released in a situation report on February 6, 2026, indicate a significant expansion of aerial weaponry in the key transport hub controlled by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
As of February 4 2026, at least 40 of these “suicide drones” were visible at the Nyala airport, while another 51 were previously identified at a newly discovered launch site nearby.
These munitions are consistent with Shahed-style UAVs, specifically the Sunflower-200 or ZT-180 models, which have a reported strike range of 1,500 to 2,500 kilometres.
The new launch point is located approximately 2.5 kilometres east of the former UNAMID Sector South Headquarters, also known as Super Camp.
While the drones themselves were absent from the new site by late January, the majority of the launch platforms remained visible in satellite imagery.
Yale HRL also detected a mobile anti-aircraft unit near the former UNAMID headquarters.
The system, which measures approximately 10 meters in length, features a rotating apparatus similar to units such as the Pantsir or the FK-2000.
This weapon system was first observed in the area in August 2025 and shifted its orientation to face westward between October 2025 and January 2026.
The report detailed a surge in drone activity throughout January 2026, including several strikes resulting in high civilian casualties.
On January 6, UAV strikes in the Al-Jaballiya neighbourhood of El Obeid killed at least 12 people.
Less than a week later, on January 12, an attack on the 17th Division Command in Singa reportedly killed dozens, including government leadership and civilians.
Other attacks were documented in the states of North Kordofan, Gezira, and White Nile.
The RSF has significantly expanded its arsenal since the conflict began, supported by supply lines through Nyala airport, which are reportedly bolstered by the United Arab Emirates.
In response, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have acquired advanced Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 and Akinci drones.
The SAF has also received support from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Iran, and Egypt, including a $1.5 billion deal for weaponry and air defence capabilities.
Researchers warned that the proliferation of these weapons poses a direct threat to human security, noting the RSF’s history of targeting markets, hospitals, and mosques.
The report called on all parties to the conflict to uphold the principle of distinction and take necessary precautions to limit civilian casualties.