Sudan accuses Ethiopia of launching drone strikes on civilian infrastructure and power stations
October 28, 2026, KHARTOUM – Sudan on Wednesday accused neighbouring Ethiopia of involvement in a wave of drone attacks targeting civilian sites, fuel depots, and power infrastructure across several states.
At a joint press conference in Khartoum, government and intelligence officials presented what they described as technical flight data and satellite imagery showing drones launched from inside Ethiopian territory, including Bahir Dar Airport.
On Tuesday, a drone strike disabled the Markhiyat power station northwest of Omdurman, cutting electricity supplies across the capital area in the seventh such attack on the power grid within a week.
Further drone strikes on Wednesday hit a power station and fuel storage facilities in El Manaqil in Gezira state, alongside fuel storage sites and a pipeline linked to Bashayer Port in Red Sea state, triggering a total blackout in El Manaqil and surrounding areas.
Neither the Ethiopian government nor the United Arab Emirates could immediately be reached for comment. Reuters was unable to independently verify the flight data or the origin of the drones.
Sudanese Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Muawiya Osman Khalid called on the international community not to overlook what he termed an Ethiopian-Emirati aggression against Sudan.
Khalid said Sudan retains the right to defend its territory, accusing Ethiopia and the UAE of enabling strikes on Sudanese soil despite historically close ties between the two peoples.
During the briefing, officials displayed fragments of intercepted drones alongside flight-path coordinates that they said confirmed departure points within Ethiopia.
Undersecretary of the Ministry of Information Graham Abdel Qader said recent strikes hit hospitals, mosques, residential neighbourhoods, and key energy installations across White Nile, Gezira, Sennar, Red Sea, Blue Nile, and Khartoum states.
Abdel Qader said the disruption of utility services threatens agricultural production and hampers civilians trying to return to conflict-hit areas, describing the state’s military response so far as one of strategic patience.