Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on Tuesday accused General al-Burhan’s army (SAF) of launching a foreign-made drone strike on the Heglig oil field, saying the attack killed and wounded dozens just a day after RSF fighters claimed control of the strategic facility.
In a statement, the RSF said the strike targeted engineers and oil workers, leaders from the native administration, and members of the protection and security forces of both the Republic of South Sudan and the RSF. It also reported damage to a number of vital installations at the field.
The RSF, which referred to the SAF as operating under the “so-called Muslim Brotherhood”, condemned what it called a “terrorist attack” and described it as a flagrant breach of international law and a direct threat to regional security and stability. The group said the strike was a sign of “deep frustration and internal collapse” within the army due to battlefield losses.
Warning of “grave consequences” if such attacks continue, the RSF stressed that Heglig is a critical economic lifeline for neighbouring South Sudan, whose crude oil is exported via pipelines crossing Sudanese territory.
The statement urged the international community, particularly the United Nations and the U.N. Security Council, to condemn the attack and take immediate steps to halt what it described as hostile actions and violations of a humanitarian truce declared by the RSF.
The group said its forces were fully capable of securing the oil field, protecting civilians and safeguarding facilities against further assaults. It also warned the army against continuing “barbaric attacks” and reiterated what it called its legitimate right to respond in self-defence to any aggression targeting its forces or key infrastructure.
