Sudan’s junta-controlled government has accused the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of launching drone strikes on Port Sudan earlier this month, marking the first time the military-led administration has directly implicated the UAE in the ongoing conflict between General al-Burhan’s army (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
On May 4, the strategic city of Port Sudan, under the control of Sudan’s military junta, was struck by a series of drone attacks. Sudan’s Ambassador to the United Nations, al-Harith Idris, stated that the assault was carried out by drones and warplanes launched from an Emirati base on the Red Sea, with support from Emirati ships.
The strikes primarily targeted SAF infrastructure, including the main airport, army facilities, and fuel depots, crippling essential services in the region.
This accusation follows Sudan junta’s decision to sever diplomatic ties with the UAE, accusing the Gulf nation of supplying advanced weaponry to the RSF.
The UAE has denied these allegations and has not responded to Tuesday’s latest claims. The junta-controlled government in Sudan has repeatedly accused the UAE of supporting the RSF, a charge the UAE has firmly rejected.
Idris further alleged that the May 4 attack was in retaliation for a SAF strike on May 3 in the RSF-controlled city of Nyala. According to Idris, the strike targeted an Emirati warplane, resulting in the deaths of 13 foreign nationals, including UAE personnel.
Port Sudan, which has become increasingly vital since the outbreak of war in Khartoum in April 2023, serves as both a military stronghold and a humanitarian hub.
However, the recent drone strikes have severely disrupted the city, leading to power outages, water shortages, and the paralysis of essential services.
