Defense, Foreign Affairs, and Information Ministers: Announcing Victories and Presenting Evidence Against Militia Supporters

On Monday, the National Intelligence and Security Service hall in Port Sudan hosted one of the most significant press conferences since the outbreak of the war. This event gained prominence for several reasons, including the large gathering of local and international media, the appearance of Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Yassin Ibrahim, his first engagement with the press, and the participation of the Foreign Affairs Minister alongside the Ministry of Culture and Information, led by its new minister, Khalid Al-Iesaer.

The conference covered various war-related topics, including announcements of victories, optimistic operational updates, and evidence implicating the UAE and Chad in providing military support to the militia. The Foreign Affairs Minister detailed the diplomatic and international aspects, explaining the violations of international norms by these two countries and outlining the Sudanese government’s plans to hold them accountable through complaints, condemnation, and calls for sanctions.

Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Yassin Ibrahim addressed the media, breaking a long silence often marked by reliance on official military spokespersons or state media. He announced significant victories achieved by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and allied units within the “Al-Sayyad” contingent in North Kordofan’s Um Rawaba area.

He also revealed the recapture of the Um Al-Qura region in eastern Gezira State, the recovery of the Sennar Sugar Factory and its surrounding areas, and the elimination of reinforcements from Al-Abbasiya attempting to support the militia near Um Rawaba. Many militia field commanders reportedly perished in these operations. The minister expressed hope that these victories would lead to the complete destruction of the rebellious terrorist militia.

The Defense Ministry used the briefing to highlight the escalation and direct aggression by the UAE and Chad in supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia. Evidence was presented regarding the use of suicide drones in military operations. The minister asserted Sudan’s right to respond at the appropriate time and place.

Maj. Gen. Ahmed Saleh, Secretary-General of the Defense Ministry, provided detailed evidence of Emirati support for the militia through various channels, including shipments of drones and other military equipment. He stated that suicide drones targeting civilians and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis were traced back to Emirati origins. He further described the shift to strategic, satellite-guided drones as a new phase of aggression, with evidence gathered from the remnants of drones and missiles confirming their source.

Additionally, images from a military base at N’Djamena airport highlighted the operation of these drones against Sudan. A recent confiscated shipment at the Sudanese border, allegedly destined for the militia, matched these specifications. The SAF retains the right to respond to these acts of aggression.

Foreign Minister Dr. Ali Youssef accused the UAE of bearing legal and criminal responsibility for its role in the aggression against Sudan. He explained that investigations revealed the assembly of drones in the UAE and their operation from Chadian territory near the Sudanese border. The reports also indicated that the UAE recruited mercenaries from within and outside the region to perpetrate atrocities against Sudanese civilians.

Dr. Youssef underscored the violations of international humanitarian law, holding both the UAE and Chad accountable for facilitating arms transfers and providing safe passage for weapons used in the invasion of Sudan.

Government spokesperson and Minister of Culture and Information, Khalid Al-Iesaer, highlighted the escalating severity of the war due to the introduction of strategic weapons, including guided missiles and drones launched from Chad. He reiterated Sudan’s accusations against the UAE, asserting that the government has irrefutable evidence of its involvement.

Al-Iesaer warned that the UAE not only provides arms and funding but also pursues regional and international political maneuvers to cover up its role in the conflict. He assured the Sudanese people that the armed forces are capable of responding as necessary.

He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to holding transparent press briefings and providing access to all professional and ethical media outlets. However, he warned against media entities undermining the SAF, declaring no tolerance for such actions within Sudan.