In Figures… New Details Regarding the UAE’s Support for the Militia
Amjad Farid Al-Tayeb
This special report, attached on January 16, 2025, was issued by the Humanitarian Research Lab at Yale School of Public Health, one of the world’s leading academic institutions, renowned for its role in providing accurate and independent analyses of humanitarian issues and armed conflicts. The report relies on advanced methodologies that combine satellite data analysis and open-source intelligence.
The report revealed the presence of advanced drones (UAVs) at Nyala Airport in South Darfur, which is controlled by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia. The UAE provided these drones to the militia between December 9, 2024, and January 14, 2025.
Key Findings of the Report:
- Drone Surveillance:
- Three drones were spotted between December 2024 and January 2025, with satellite images indicating they were FH-95 models manufactured in China. These drones possess advanced capabilities, including electronic warfare, reconnaissance, and airstrikes.
- The report also revealed that the UAE continued to supply weapons to the RSF, despite previous claims that they had stopped supplying the militia with arms.
- Shipping and Construction:
- Satellite images showed 43 shipping containers and new constructions at Nyala Airport. These images support multiple reports indicating that Emirati cargo planes have been landing at night to supply the RSF with military supplies.
- The UAE’s Role:
- The U.S. administration, through its coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa, Brett McGurk, stated that the UAE is currently not a source of weapons for the RSF. This statement sparked controversy in light of evidence showing that the RSF continues to receive external support.
- January 17, 2025, was set as the date for a report to be submitted to the U.S. Congress regarding whether the UAE continues to supply weapons to the RSF.
- Despite the UAE’s denial of involvement in arming the RSF, this report conclusively proves that the UAE remains engaged in this criminal role, in addition to being a key supporter of the militia since the outbreak of the war in October 2023.
This report comes at a critical time, as the conflict in Sudan escalates, highlighting external support for the RSF, including the sighting of advanced drones at Nyala Airport in South Darfur. The report is of particular significance due to its scientific accuracy and reliance on various sources and advanced analytical techniques. It coincides with the U.S. administration’s deadline of January 17, 2025, for a report to Congress regarding the UAE’s role in the Sudanese war. The detection of FH-95 drones at Nyala Airport, with the ability to strike targets up to 250 kilometers away and a payload of 250 kilograms, which have been used in recent terrorist attacks by the RSF, including the assault on the Merowe Dam that disrupted 40% of Sudan’s electricity production, is direct evidence of the UAE’s involvement, contrary to what the White House informed Congress.
