Sudan’s Civil War Escalates as RSF Launches Drone Attacks on Port Sudan

New Phase in Sudan’s Conflict

Sudan’s civil war has entered a dangerous new phase as paramilitary fighters launch unprecedented drone strikes on Port Sudan, the country’s strategic eastern city. Experts describe this as a “shock and awe campaign” by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) following their expulsion from the capital Khartoum.

The attacks have caused severe power blackouts and water shortages for residents, while demonstrating the RSF’s continued capability despite recent territorial losses.

“It’s a level of power projection within this region that we haven’t seen yet,” says Alan Boswell, Horn of Africa expert for the International Crisis Group.

The Rise of Drone Warfare

The conflict, now in its third year, has seen increasing use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by both sides:

• The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) used drones to advance earlier this year
• The RSF escalated drone attacks as they retreated westward
• Recent months saw strikes on critical infrastructure like dams and power stations

Strategic Shift in Military Tactics

The RSF’s sustained attacks on Port Sudan, previously considered a safe haven, mark a significant strategic shift:

“The RSF is trying to show that they don’t need to reach Port Sudan by land to have an impact,” says Sudanese analyst Kholood Khair.

Military experts note the RSF appears to be using:

• Kamikaze drones with explosive payloads
• Potentially advanced Chinese-made CH-95 drones for long-range strikes
• New drone variants better at penetrating air defenses

International Involvement

The conflict has drawn in foreign powers:

• SAF accuses UAE of supplying drones to RSF (UAE denies)
• Evidence suggests Iranian weapons reaching SAF (Iran hasn’t commented)
• Turkish defense firm allegedly sold drones to army (Turkey denies)

Humanitarian and Regional Impact

The attacks on Port Sudan threaten:

• Disruption of vital aid supplies entering the country
• Potential large-scale civilian casualties
• Regional security in the Red Sea area

“This war is always evolving, always changing,” says Justin Lynch of Conflict Insights Group. “It will continue for years unless there’s serious diplomatic action.”