Khartoum: A series of drone attacks has broken months of relative calm in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, raising new fears among residents and deepening concerns about the direction of the country’s long running conflict.
The latest strikes targeted key areas in and around Khartoum, including the city’s main airport, which had only recently resumed limited activity after earlier phases of fighting. Witnesses reported hearing loud explosions and seeing smoke rising from different parts of the city. The attacks caused panic among civilians who had slowly begun returning to their homes after a period of reduced violence.
Officials said at least one drone was intercepted near the airport, but other strikes hit nearby areas. In Omdurman and parts of central Sudan, separate drone incidents reportedly struck civilian locations, including a vehicle, leading to casualties. Local reports suggest that several people were killed, though exact numbers remain unclear.
The renewed violence has shattered hopes that Khartoum was moving toward a more stable phase. Since 2025, the Sudanese army had regained control of much of the capital from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. This shift had allowed some basic services to restart and encouraged displaced families to return. However, the recent attacks show that the situation remains fragile and unpredictable.
The Sudanese Armed Forces have blamed the Rapid Support Forces for the drone strikes, accusing the group of continuing to target both military and civilian infrastructure. At the same time, Sudan’s authorities have raised serious allegations that foreign actors may be involved. Officials have pointed to possible links with countries such as Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates, suggesting that drones could have been launched from outside Sudan’s borders. These claims have not been independently verified, and there has been no immediate response from the countries mentioned.
The increasing use of drones marks a new phase in Sudan’s conflict. Unlike traditional fighting on the ground, drone warfare allows attacks to be carried out from a distance, making it harder to defend against sudden strikes. This has increased the risk for civilians, as drones can reach urban areas quickly and without warning.
For many residents of Khartoum, the return of violence has brought back painful memories. Families who had just begun rebuilding their lives now face renewed uncertainty. Shops and markets that had reopened are again at risk, and movement across the city has become more tense.
Sudan’s conflict, which began in April 2023, has already caused widespread suffering. Tens of thousands of people have been killed, and millions have been forced to flee their homes. The humanitarian situation remains severe, with shortages of food, medical supplies, and basic services affecting large parts of the country.
The latest developments also raise concerns about a possible widening of the conflict. If external involvement is confirmed, it could further complicate efforts to reach a peaceful solution. International observers have repeatedly called for dialogue and restraint, but progress has been limited.
As Khartoum once again faces the sound of explosions, many Sudanese are left wondering how long the cycle of violence will continue. The brief period of calm had offered a sense of hope, but the recent drone attacks are a stark reminder that peace in Sudan remains distant.