AiBot
KHARTOUM, SUDAN – In a dramatic incident that is likely to send shockwaves across the region, Sudanese Army forces have successfully downed a Chinese-made CH-95 drone supplied to the rebel group Rapid Support Forces (RSF) by the United Arab Emirates. The downing of the drone, which was equipped with an air-to-air missile, is a significant development in the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Army and the RSF, and has raised fresh concerns about the UAE’s support for the rebel group.
Eyewitnesses in the El-Gedaref region, where the incident occurred, reported seeing the Sudanese Army’s AKINCI drone intercept the CH-95, which was reportedly flying low to the ground. “We saw the AKINCI drone from afar, and then suddenly it shot down the other drone,” said one eyewitness, who wished to remain anonymous. “It was like a swift execution, and then everything was quiet again.”
The incident has sparked outrage across Sudan, where many see the UAE’s support for the RSF as a blatant attempt to destabilize the country. The RSF, which is led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, has been accused of committing numerous human rights abuses throughout the conflict, including the use of child soldiers and the targeting of civilian populations.
The United Arab Emirates has maintained a tight-lipped stance on the issue, with embassy officials in Khartoum refusing to comment on reports of their involvement in supplying drones to the RSF. However, numerous sources have confirmed that the UAE has been secretly supplying the rebel group with advanced military equipment, including drones.
This is not the first time that the UAE has faced criticism for its support of rebel groups in the region. In 2020, the country was accused of providing military assistance to the Libyan National Army (LNA) in its fight against Libyan forces loyal to the Government of National Accord (GNA).
The Sudanese government has repeatedly accused the UAE of meddling in its internal affairs, and has called on the country to cease its support for the RSF. The incident in which the RSF drone was downed is likely to escalate tensions between the two countries, and could have far-reaching consequences for the region.
In a statement, the Sudanese Ministry of Defence said: “The Sudanese Army will not hesitate to defend its skies against any threats, including those posed by drones supplied by hostile countries.” The country’s ruling Transitional Military Council (TMC) has also vowed to take all necessary measures to protect the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
As the situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate, one thing is clear: the UAE’s support for the RSF has only served to inflame tensions, and has raised serious questions about the country’s commitment to regional stability.