Sudan’s brutal civil war has taken a sharp and dangerous turn, as drone warfare and allegations of foreign interference push regional tensions to new heights. A recent wave of drone strikes by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on Port Sudan — once considered a safe haven — has not only shaken the city but also exposed deeper geopolitical and economic stakes, including the role of Sudan’s lucrative gold industry.
On May 4, the RSF launched a barrage of suicide drones at Port Sudan, the de facto capital controlled by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), targeting military installations, a civilian airport, hotels, and a fuel depot. The strikes, which continued for six consecutive days, caused a massive explosion and mass displacement of civilians.
“The strikes … led to a huge displacement from the city. Many people left Port Sudan,” said Aza Aera, a local relief worker. “If the aggression continues … I think I’ll leave like everyone else.”
The SAF has accused unnamed foreign actors of supporting the RSF and even threatened to cut ties with one of its major trading partners. While the RSF had previously used drones, this is the first time it has carried out attacks so far from its typical operational zones, highlighting the growing reach and sophistication of its capabilities.
The New Drone Battlefield
The Sudanese civil war, which erupted in April 2023, has evolved into a drone war. Initially, the SAF held the advantage with its air force and Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 drones. These long-range, payload-heavy drones helped the SAF regain key areas — including the capital Khartoum — between late 2024 and early 2025.
In response, the RSF escalated its drone campaign, allegedly deploying Chinese-made drones supplied by foreign allies. A recent report by Amnesty International and other observers accuses the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of arming the RSF, though the UAE has categorically denied the claims.
“The UAE strongly rejects the suggestion that it is supplying weapons to any party involved in the ongoing conflict in Sudan,” said Salem Aljaberi, spokesperson for the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, via a statement on X (formerly Twitter).
Analysts warn that the intensifying drone warfare — combined with international involvement and competition over resources like gold — could further destabilize the region. Civilians are already bearing the brunt of the violence, and the prospect of prolonged or expanded conflict looms large.