Khartoum: Fresh tensions have erupted in the Horn of Africa after Sudan accused the United Arab Emirates and Ethiopia of involvement in a recent drone attack on Khartoum International Airport, an allegation both countries have firmly denied.
The accusations came after a series of drone strikes hit Sudan’s capital and nearby areas over the past few days, damaging important infrastructure and increasing fears of a wider regional conflict linked to Sudan’s ongoing civil war.
Sudanese military officials claimed that drones used in the attack on Khartoum airport were launched from Ethiopia’s Bahir Dar airport with support from the UAE. Sudan’s army also alleged that the drones were supplied to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, known as the RSF, which has been fighting against the Sudanese Armed Forces since April 2023.
According to Sudanese officials, evidence including drone images and flight path information was collected after the attack. However, international media agencies including Reuters said the claims could not be independently verified.
The United Arab Emirates strongly rejected the accusations. Emirati officials described Sudan’s statements as false and politically motivated. The UAE said it had no involvement in the airport attack and accused Sudan’s military leadership of trying to shift attention away from the country’s worsening internal crisis.
Ethiopia also denied any role in the incident. Ethiopian authorities called the allegations baseless and warned against attempts to damage diplomatic relations between neighboring countries. Officials in Addis Ababa said Ethiopia supports peace efforts in Sudan and has not allowed its territory to be used for military operations related to the conflict.
The latest attack has renewed concerns about the growing use of drones in Sudan’s war. Khartoum International Airport had only recently resumed limited operations after months of closure caused by fighting in the capital. The drone strike forced authorities to suspend airport activity once again, affecting both civilian movement and humanitarian operations.
Witnesses in Khartoum reported hearing loud explosions and seeing smoke rising near the airport area. Several nearby facilities also reportedly suffered damage. Sudanese authorities said drone attacks were carried out in different parts of Khartoum, Omdurman, and White Nile State during the same period.
The conflict in Sudan began more than three years ago after tensions between army chief General Abdel Fattah al Burhan and RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, widely known as Hemedti, turned into open warfare. Since then, the country has faced one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
Millions of people have been displaced across Sudan and neighboring countries, while food shortages, disease outbreaks, and damage to hospitals and public services continue to worsen conditions for civilians. International aid organizations have repeatedly warned that the conflict is pushing large parts of Sudan toward famine.
Sudan has frequently accused the UAE of supporting the RSF with military equipment and financial assistance. Abu Dhabi has consistently denied those allegations. Previous international reports had also raised questions about foreign involvement in the conflict, including claims about regional support networks and cross border operations.
The latest accusations have increased fears that Sudan’s war could further destabilize the Horn of Africa region. Political observers say tensions between Sudan and Ethiopia are already sensitive because of border disputes and disagreements over regional security issues.
Sudan has reportedly recalled its ambassador from Ethiopia following the accusations. Meanwhile, countries including Egypt and Saudi Arabia have expressed concern over attacks targeting civilian infrastructure and called for greater diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.
The United States and the United Nations have also urged all external actors to avoid fueling the conflict and to support peace negotiations aimed at ending the war.
As fighting continues and drone warfare becomes more common, ordinary Sudanese civilians remain caught in the middle of a devastating conflict with no clear end in sight.