Major Escalation in Sudanese Conflict
The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) announced they destroyed a transport plane carrying approximately 40 foreign mercenaries at Darfur's Nyala Airport. According to state television, the aircraft originated from the United Arab Emirates and was completely destroyed upon landing in RSF-controlled territory.
Foreign Involvement Exposed
Military sources confirmed the plane carried soldiers and military equipment destined for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the paramilitary group engaged in civil war against Sudan's government since April 2023. This incident follows previous SAF evidence showing Colombian mercenaries fighting alongside RSF units.
Geopolitical Tensions
The SAF has repeatedly accused the UAE of supplying weapons and drones to RSF through Nyala Airport - allegations Abu Dhabi denies despite corroboration from UN experts and US officials. Colombian President Gustavo Petro confirmed his government is investigating potential citizen casualties, calling mercenary work "deadly human trafficking."
Background of the Conflict
The civil war erupted from tensions between SAF commander General al-Burhan and RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo over paramilitary integration. The RSF evolved from Janjaweed militias implicated in Darfur's genocide. Fighting has killed over 61,000 people in Khartoum alone and triggered famine conditions in North Darfur.
Humanitarian Catastrophe
UN agencies report nearly 25 million Sudanese face extreme hunger, with 522,000 children dead from famine-related causes. The conflict has displaced 8.8 million internally and created 3.5 million refugees. Both sides continue sophisticated disinformation campaigns while impeding aid access.