This is a locator map for Sudan with its capital, Khartoum
A devastating Sudanese airstrike on Wednesday targeted Nyala airport in Darfur, killing 40 suspected foreign mercenaries and destroying military equipment reportedly sent by the United Arab Emirates. This high-stakes attack has further escalated the ongoing civil war and deepened tensions between Sudan and foreign powers allegedly backing the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Nyala Airstrike Sparks Global Reaction
The Sudanese military launched a surprise airstrike on Nyala airport, now under RSF control. Reports from military officials and rebel advisors say the strike destroyed a suspected Emirati aircraft and weapons shipment. The deadly blast reportedly killed around 40 Colombian mercenaries.
State-run media described the strike as a "new equation of deterrence," signaling Sudan’s warning to foreign backers of RSF.
Sudanese authorities claim the targeted aircraft had flown from a Gulf military base and landed at Nyala, South Darfur’s capital. The RSF has converted the civilian airport into a key military hub, allegedly using it to receive arms and smuggle gold.
UAE Denies Military Ties with RSF
In response to the allegations, the UAE strongly denied involvement. Its Foreign Ministry dismissed Sudan’s claims as "unfounded" and part of a “campaign of disinformation.”
Despite the denial, tensions between the two nations have worsened. Earlier this year, Sudan cut diplomatic ties with the UAE, accusing it of secretly backing the RSF with arms and mercenaries.
Colombian Mercenaries Confirmed in Darfur
Colombian President Gustavo Petro reacted swiftly to the news. On social media platform X, he confirmed launching an investigation into the deaths of Colombian nationals in Darfur.
Reports by U.N. experts had earlier confirmed the presence of Colombian mercenaries in Sudan. According to a UN document published in April, these individuals were hired by private firms to fight alongside RSF. Colombia’s Foreign Ministry has since established a task force to ensure the safety of its citizens.
Sudanese Planes Barred from UAE Airports
Amid growing diplomatic strain, Sudan’s Civil Aviation Authority reported that the UAE suddenly barred Sudanese planes from landing or departing at its airports.
A Sudanese airline was blocked from taking off from Abu Dhabi on the same day as the Nyala airstrike. Officials called the move “surprising and uncoordinated.” The incident underscores deepening hostility between the two nations.
RSF Tightens Grip on Darfur
While the airstrike dominated headlines, fresh reports revealed new developments on the ground. Satellite imagery by Yale’s Humanitarian Research Lab shows RSF has encircled el-Fasher, North Darfur’s capital and the last major city under military control.
The RSF siege has effectively blocked all exit routes. Civilians must pass through a narrow checkpoint controlled by the group. According to the report, RSF has bombarded el-Fasher’s markets, schools, and mosques in recent weeks.
Humanitarian Crisis Escalates
The conflict, which erupted in April 2023, has spiraled into a brutal civil war. Over 14 million people have been displaced, with parts of Sudan facing famine-like conditions.
Atrocities such as mass killings and sexual violence are being investigated as war crimes by the International Criminal Court. The ongoing siege of cities like el-Fasher and attacks on displacement camps such as Zamzam have further worsened the humanitarian situation.
The Nyala airstrike marks a turning point in Sudan’s civil war. With foreign involvement increasingly in the spotlight, the stakes have never been higher. As regional tensions rise and ground battles intensify, civilians continue to suffer the consequences of a deepening crisis.
