Iranian drones boost Sudanese Army’s success
A year since the beginning of Sudan’s civil war, Iranian-supplied drones have been crucial for the Sudanese army’s battle against the paramilitary Rapid Support Force (RSF), according to Arab News and agencies on April 11.
A senior army source revealed that the drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), have halted the RSF’s progress, and enabled the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) to regain lost territory.
The drones were reportedly acquired in recent months.
While the SAF used older drones in the early months of the war, their ability to target RSF fighters in densely populated civilian areas was limited.
But nine months into the conflict, the army’s base north of Khartoum began operating drones with increased capabilities, according to residents.Sud
Eyewitness accounts suggest significant intelligence improvements, with the drones reportedly monitoring RSF member movements, target their positions, and conduct targeted artillery strikes in Omdurman, Khartoum.
“In recent weeks, the army has begun to use precise drones in military operations, which forced the RSF to flee from many areas and allowed the army to deploy forces on the ground,” said Mohamed Othman, a resident of Omdurman.
Residents also reported that the government has used drones, artillery and ground forces north of Khartoum, in an effort to re-take the critical Al Jaili oil refinery.
READ: RSF attack on Sudan village kills dozens
Until now, the SAF’s use of Iranian weapons has remained under-reported.
But investigations by a Dutch peace organisation, Pax, show an Iranian flight company called Qeshm Fars Air made six journeys to Port Sudan, a key SAF army base.
According to the RSF the Sudanese army received bi-weekly plane deliveries of Iranian drones and other weapons. However, the RSF did not provide any evidence of its intelligence.
The high-ranking Sudanese army source refused to confirm if the Iranian-made drones were supplied directly from Iran, and refrained from confirming the means of acquisition or the quantity of drones the SAF received.
Directly admitting Iranian support would likely complicate the US’ role in pushing for negotiations between the SAF and RAF. Qeshm Fars Air, the company reported to have delivered cargo to the Sudanese army, is under US sanctions.
“The United States opposes external involvement to support the Sudan conflict – it will only exacerbate and prolong the conflict and risks further spreading regional instability,” said a US State Department spokesperson in response to reports of Iranian support.
The US’ comments follow Algeria’s warning against foreign involvement in Sudan earlier this year.
“Sudan is facing a conspiracy with the complicity of international and regional partners” said General Abdul Fattah Al-Burhan, head of Sudan’s Sovereign Council.
Before Iran and Sudan severed ties in 2016 over tensions regarding Gulf States, the two countries developed Iranian drones under joint military programs, the source added.
Sudan’s use of Iranian-made drones suggests an unofficial military cooperation between Sudan and Iran, although officially the countries only entertain diplomatic relations.
Despite this, acting foreign minister, Ali Sadeq who is SAF-affiliated, said “Sudan did not obtain any weapons from Iran.”
Sudan is strategically located by the Red Sea, a critical area for global commerce and trade. Since October 2023 and the onset of the war between Israel and Hamas, the Red Sea has become a platform for proxy war.
The Iranian-backed Houthis have launched attacks on commercial shipping vessels, disrupting international trade routes and sparking Western involvement.
READ: Ship sunk by Houthis threatens Red Sea ecosystem
Iran’s support of the Houthis and Sudanese army has effectively allowed for Iranian influence both in the Red Sea itself and on the African coast.
The paramilitary RSF reportedly have backing from other African states, including Chad, Libya, and South Sudan according to UN experts. The UAE has also been accused providing material assistance to the group, in an effort to curb Iranian influence.
Meanwhile, the Sudanese civil war has forced millions of civilians into famine-like conditions, triggered the world’s largest displacement crisis numbering 8.5 million people, and seen an increase in ethnic persecution and sexual and gender-based violence (GBV).
Both parties to the conflict have been accused of gross violations of human rights, including targeting civilians, shelling residential areas, and obstructing aid.
Western Sudan, including the regions Darfur and Khartoum, have been hit the hardest where, in one village in Darfur alone, up to 15,000 have been killed.
Arab News / Agencies
