Khartoum: The Sudanese army announced on Monday that it successfully intercepted suicide drones launched by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) aimed at the Merowe Dam and military installations in northern Sudan. The Merowe Dam, recognized as the country's largest, was among the primary targets of the attack.
According to Anadolu Agency - English, a statement from the army's 19th Infantry Division disclosed that the RSF directed multiple drones towards its headquarters, the Merowe Dam, and the Air Base situated in the Northern State. The statement confirmed that all drones were neutralized before they could inflict any damage on their intended targets.
The army reiterated its readiness to counter any future threats posed by the RSF forces. However, there was no immediate response or comment from the RSF regarding the army's statement.
This incident follows a series of drone attacks the previous day, which targeted El-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, and the White Nile State in southern Sudan. The Sudanese government has frequently accused the RSF of orchestrating drone strikes on civilian infrastructure, including power stations, in the northern and eastern regions of the country. Despite these allegations, the RSF has consistently refrained from making any public statements.
Currently, the RSF maintains control over five states in the Darfur region, with the exception of certain northern areas in North Darfur, which remain under army control. Conversely, the Sudanese army retains dominance over the remaining 13 states, encompassing the southern, northern, eastern, and central regions, including the capital, Khartoum.
The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF, which erupted in April 2023, has resulted in significant casualties and displacement, with thousands of lives lost and millions of people forced to flee their homes.