Sudanese military air defences intercepted two drones allegedly launched by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) near Khartoum International Airport on Monday, according to a security source and eyewitnesses.
A security source told Sudan Tribune that military air defence systems shot down two drones over the Burri and Nasir neighbourhoods, east of central Khartoum, during the morning hours.
Residents reported hearing heavy anti-aircraft fire as military units engaged aerial targets above the capital.
The two neighbourhoods are located close to Khartoum International Airport and the Sudanese military’s General Command headquarters, raising concerns over renewed attacks on strategic installations.
The airport resumed flight operations in February 2026 after nearly three years of closure following the outbreak of Sudan’s conflict in April 2023.
The surrounding area had previously come under drone attacks during reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts aimed at restoring airport operations.
Monday’s incident comes amid an escalation in drone warfare between Sudan’s military and the RSF, with both sides increasingly deploying unmanned aircraft against military positions and infrastructure.
Over the preceding 48 hours, Sudanese military aircraft carried out strikes targeting RSF positions in Nyala, the capital of South Darfur, as well as Abu Zaima, Al-Dabab and Al-Khuwai in West Kordofan.
Meanwhile, drones attributed to the RSF reportedly targeted military and government installations in the eastern states of Gedaref and Kassala.
The latest exchanges underscore the expanding geographical reach of aerial attacks, even as ground fighting continues across several regions of the country.
There was no immediate independent confirmation of the drones’ origin or reports of casualties and damage near Khartoum airport.
