A report aired by Fox News has highlighted the growing role of Iranian-made drones in Sudan’s war, warning that their increased use is contributing to civilian casualties and deepening an already severe humanitarian crisis.
Iranian drones in the conflict
The report describes Iran as playing a “lethal role” by supplying General al-Burhan’s SAF with military equipment, including attack drones. These systems have been linked to the deaths of civilians, particularly in Darfur and Kordofan, where strikes have reportedly hit women and children.
According to Mariam Wahba of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, Iran has supplied Sudanese forces with Mohajer-6 drones since at least 2013. The drones are manufactured by Qods Aviation Industries, an entity under US sanctions.
The United States Department of State has condemned the use of drones against civilians, noting that both sides in the conflict are increasingly deploying them against non-military targets.
Arms trafficking case in the US
The report also pointed to the case of Shamim Mafi, an Iranian-American arms broker currently in federal custody in California.
Mafi was arrested on April 19 at Los Angeles International Airport and is accused of arranging a $70 million deal to supply Sudan’s defence ministry with Mohajer-6 drones and related equipment—suggesting such transfers are ongoing.
Bill Essayli, the US Attorney for the Central District of California, said authorities disrupted a broader weapons smuggling network.
“Shamim Mafi… was arrested for attempting to export weapons on behalf of the Iranian government,” he said in a statement on X, adding that the alleged deal included drones, explosives and millions of rounds of ammunition.
Mafi remains in federal detention and is scheduled to appear in court on May 8 in Los Angeles.
US allegations and broader concerns
A State Department spokesperson told Fox News that Washington is “deeply concerned” about the growing use of drones in Sudan, citing recent attacks on hospitals and schools by both General al-Burhan’s SAF and the rebels.
Wahba described the Mohajer-6 as a core Iranian drone platform capable of surveillance and precision strikes, and noted its use by groups such as Hezbollah and the Houthis in other regional conflicts.
The US also alleged that Islamist groups aligned with Sudan’s military have maintained ties with Tehran and received support from it. Some of these groups, including Sudan’s Muslim Brotherhood, have been sanctioned by Washington over alleged abuses against civilians and efforts to undermine peace initiatives.
Escalating humanitarian impact
The United Nations has also raised alarm over the impact of drone warfare on civilians.
Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said a humanitarian aid truck operated by the UNHCR was destroyed in a drone strike on April 24 in North Darfur, burning all emergency shelter supplies on board.
A separate drone strike the following day reportedly injured civilians in residential areas of El-Obeid in North Kordofan.
“Ordinary families in their homes are being caught in violence that continues to reach civilian neighbourhoods,” Dujarric said, condemning the attacks.
Ricardo Pires of UNICEF warned that drones are having a profound psychological and physical impact on children.
“The sound of drones has become another terrifying signal for children to hide,” he said, adding that schools, hospitals and streets are increasingly becoming sites of danger.
War toll and displacement
The war, which erupted on April 15, 2023 between General al-Burhan’s SAF and the RSF, has killed up to 400,000 people according to some estimates and displaced more than 11 million.
The United Nations has described the situation as the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, with conditions continuing to deteriorate as the conflict intensifies.
