Militia Drones: An Attempt to Mask the Janjaweed’s Defeats
Sudan Events – Agencies
The Sudanese capital witnessed heavy drone attacks early Tuesday, launched by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia, targeting several areas — most notably Khartoum Airport, East Nile, Haj Yousif, and Omdurman — with explosions heard across the city. Eyewitnesses reported spotting at least eleven drones flying overhead before being met by army air defenses. Authorities had earlier announced the completion of maintenance work at Khartoum Airport, as some airlines had already published their flight schedules.
The airport had been officially out of service since fighting broke out in April 2023 and suffered extensive destruction. However, the government has been working to restore it following the army’s recapture of Khartoum. It remains unclear which sites were struck in East Nile, Haj Yousif, and Omdurman, as no official statements have been issued. The militia had previously targeted power stations, water facilities, and civilian sites with drones, causing damage that continues to cripple the capital’s infrastructure.
Retired Major General Salah Mohamed Khalid said, “What we are witnessing now is consistent with the militia’s overall behavior throughout this war. It has continuously targeted infrastructure, civilian life, and the urban center with actions that lack any strategic rationale — they are acts of spite, nothing more. Striking the airport serves no military objective; the militia knows this but uses such attacks for propaganda.”
He added, “Many expected them to strike sites being restored, such as the airport. It’s not surprising. These are attempts to show they’re still present on the battlefield or to pressure the political and military leadership. But experience has shown that these hostile acts achieve nothing. The militia appears exhausted and demoralized, clinging on merely to remain relevant for negotiations — talks that the Sovereign Council chairman and army commander recently closed the door on.”
He continued, “Over time, the army has improved its counter-drone capabilities, making its defenses more effective. A weapon in the hands of the untrained is a disaster waiting to happen, and the militia has repeatedly shown no moral restraint in killing civilians or committing atrocities. It was therefore logical for the army to strengthen its defense system and expand its deployment across key areas of the capital.”
Echoing this assessment, security and strategic analyst Madani al-Harith said that developing the air defense system is crucial, given the militia’s behavior. “After suffering setbacks in Kordofan, the RSF is clearly losing confidence in its capabilities. These drone attacks are an attempt to cover up its losses, boost the morale of its fighters and social base, and pressure the government to return to the negotiating table prepared by the Quad. If you look at the EU’s position, the statements of the militia’s backers, and the narratives in their media, the pattern is obvious.”
The RSF’s strike on Khartoum Airport does not appear to have affected the airport’s operations. As of press time, there were no reports of flight cancellations or delays. A source familiar with the matter confirmed that flights would continue and maintenance work would not stop. “It’s crucial to restore the airport, which will play a major role in bringing citizens back to Khartoum. The main work is nearly complete — what remains can be finished at any time, and operations will resume gradually as planned,” the source said.
Sudan’s path to a solution remains complex. While some believe the conflict will ultimately be resolved militarily, the army continues to make steady progress. Engineer Mohamed Amer noted that the drones used in the attack rely on satellite-guided GPS systems with preprogrammed targets. “The strike will not affect airport operations, and flights are expected to proceed as scheduled. So far, neither authorities nor airlines have announced any cancellations,” he added.
