Khartoum: Satellite imagery has revealed that Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are operating long-range kamikaze drones near their base at Nyala airport in Darfur, sparking fears of a major escalation in the country’s ongoing conflict.

Between May 3 and May 9 this year, analysts from the Yale Humanitarian Research Lab and Reuters confirmed the presence of 13 delta-wing drones and 16 launch platforms near Nyala.

These drones, believed to have a range of up to 2,000 kilometers, mark a significant upgrade in RSF’s strike capabilities. The discovery coincides with a wave of drone attacks launched on Port Sudan in early May.

Although the launch platforms remained visible in satellite images until early September, the drones themselves were not seen after May. The exact origin of the weapons remains unclear, though experts say they resemble models produced by China, Russia, or Iran.

In recent weeks, RSF has intensified its aerial campaign. On September 9, the group claimed responsibility for coordinated drone strikes on Khartoum, hitting power plants, fuel depots, and a weapons factory. The attacks plunged large parts of the capital into darkness, underscoring the vulnerability of Sudan’s infrastructure.

The growing use of drones reflects a shift in RSF strategy as it struggles to regain ground lost in central and eastern Sudan. Military analysts warn that the long-range strikes are aimed not only at damaging critical infrastructure but also at spreading fear deep inside army-controlled territory.

The Sudanese army has accused foreign actors of supporting RSF with advanced weaponry, while the humanitarian toll of the conflict continues to rise. Millions remain displaced, and frequent power cuts and fuel shortages are worsening an already dire crisis.

Observers warn that if RSF continues to deploy long-range drones, the conflict could destabilize the wider region, making peace negotiations even more difficult.