Tue May 13 07:55:46 UTC 2025: ## Sudan’s Drone War Escalates, Threatening Regional Stability and Economy

**Port Sudan, Sudan** – A recent escalation in Sudan’s civil war, marked by a barrage of RSF drone strikes on Port Sudan, has ignited regional tensions and exposed the country’s dependence on its lucrative gold economy. For six days, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched suicide drone attacks targeting military installations, a civilian airport, hotels, and a fuel depot, causing significant damage and displacement.

This marks a significant escalation for the RSF, which previously lacked the range to strike Port Sudan. The attacks have prompted the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) to accuse unnamed foreign actors of supporting the RSF, specifically citing the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as providing Chinese-made drones. The UAE vehemently denies these accusations.

The conflict, raging since April 2023, has seen the SAF initially enjoy aerial superiority with Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 drones. However, the RSF’s acquisition of advanced drones has dramatically narrowed the gap, prompting the SAF to threaten to sever ties with the UAE, a major trading partner. This threat carries significant economic weight, as the UAE plays a crucial role in Sudan’s gold trade, particularly through its stake in the Kush gold mine, a major source of revenue for the SAF. Further, UAE banks heavily influence Sudan’s banking sector, including facilitating vital money transfers.

The SAF’s threat to cut ties with the UAE, analysts warn, is a hasty decision that could severely harm Sudan’s economy. The loss of UAE investment in the gold sector and banking could cost Sudan tens of millions of dollars. Despite the threat, the UAE has stated its commitment to maintaining relations with Sudan.

Experts express serious concerns that the increased use of drones by both sides signals a dangerous escalation of the conflict, potentially drawing in other regional powers and further devastating Sudan’s already fragile infrastructure. The situation highlights the complex interplay of regional politics, economic interests, and the devastating impact of the conflict on the Sudanese people. The ongoing uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the SAF’s threat to sever ties with the UAE, and the potential for further regional involvement, keeps the future of the conflict uncertain and deeply worrying.

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