International powers condemn drone strikes at Khartoum airport
May 5, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – Regional and international powers on Tuesday issued a sharp condemnation of recent drone strikes targeting a site within the Khartoum International Airport Square, warning of a dangerous escalation in the Sudanese conflict.
The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its strong denunciation of the attack, emphasizing the need to protect civilian facilities and vital installations from the ongoing fighting. In a statement, Riyadh called for an immediate halt to these violations and urged all parties to respect the commitments made in the Jeddah Declaration regarding the protection of civilians.
Massad Boulos, U.S. Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs, stated that the United States condemns the drone attack on the airport and other civilian sites reportedly committed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). He emphasized that civilian airports are critical for the movement of humanitarian supplies and that such attacks create further hindrances for desperately needed aid access.
The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs labelled the drone strikes a flagrant violation of Sudanese sovereignty and a breach of international law and the United Nations Charter. Doha reaffirmed its categorical rejection of targeting civilian infrastructure and maintained its call for a peaceful resolution through dialogue.
European Union Ambassador Wolfram Vetter expressed deep concern over the escalating violence and the specific risk these strikes pose to civilians and infrastructure. He called on the leadership of the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF to end the conflict for the sake of the Sudanese people.
International officials also directed messages toward regional players, with the U.S. advisor and the EU envoy urging external actors to stop fuelling the crisis. Boulos warned that any continued assistance that enables the fighting will bear direct responsibility for prolonging the conflict and the suffering of the Sudanese people.
Saudi Arabia further extended a call to Sudan’s neighbouring countries to respect the nation’s sovereignty and independence. The ministry urged these states to prevent the use of their territories as a base or starting point for such aggression against Sudan.
Sudan has accused Ethiopia and the UAE of backing the RSF drone attacks on the civilian infrastructures and institutions. However, the two countries deny the claims.