Sudanese army says it thwarted RSF drone activity near Meroe

April 25, 2024 (MEROE) – The Sudanese army asserted on Thursday that its ground-based air defences successfully repelled a drone reconnaissance mission conducted by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) near Meroe City in Sudan’s Northern State.

A statement issued by the 19th Infantry Division, stationed in Meroe, detailed that three small reconnaissance drones flying at high altitudes were detected on Wednesday. The drones travelled west to east near the Oum Bakul area, roughly 70 kilometres south of Meroe.

“Ground-based anti-aircraft weapons engaged the drones, disrupting their mission and forcing them to retreat,” the statement added.

This month, the RSF has conducted multiple drone strikes against military positions across Sudan, including Gadaref State in the east and Atbara and Shindi in the northern River Nile State.

The Sudanese army’s statement reassured Meroe residents that the drones posed no threat once detected and intercepted. It emphasized the use of radars and jamming devices to track and monitor unmanned aerial vehicles.

The statement concluded by urging civilians to report any sightings of unidentified objects in the sky to the nearest military post or police station.

(ST)