Sudanese army air defenses reportedly shot down a drone over El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan state, on Wednesday. This incident occurred as former U.S. President Donald Trump stated his intention to intervene to end the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
According to eyewitness accounts, Sudanese army anti-aircraft batteries targeted and downed the unmanned aerial vehicle in the skies above El Obeid. The origin and type of the drone remain unconfirmed. Sudanese social media users circulated videos purportedly showing ground-based defenses firing at the aircraft before it crashed.
Neither the Sudanese army nor the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have issued official statements regarding the incident. The Sudanese government, along with numerous civil and human rights organizations, has accused the RSF of using drones to target civilians in several cities across the country. The RSF denies these accusations, claiming to prioritize the protection of civilian lives.
The downing of the drone follows reports of renewed fighting in the Kordofan region. The Sudanese army recently announced advancements in various combat zones within the Kordofan states, following clashes with the RSF. Just days prior, a military source stated that the army had destroyed RSF units near the cities of El Obeid and Bara in North Kordofan.
Sudan Shield Forces, an allied militia supporting the Sudanese army, claimed to have regained full control of the Abu Qawd and Jebel Abu Sunun areas in North Kordofan. Conversely, the RSF announced advancements in the Jebel Abu Sunun, Jebel Issa, and Al-Ayara regions, located west of El Obeid.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan continues to pose significant challenges to the stability of the region. International efforts to mediate a ceasefire and facilitate a peaceful resolution have so far been unsuccessful. The involvement of figures like former President Trump could potentially shift the dynamics of the peace process.
