Tue Oct 21 10:29:03 UTC 2025: ## Summary:

Khartoum experienced a series of drone attacks early Tuesday morning, including areas near Khartoum International Airport, just a day before its scheduled reopening. Witnesses reported explosions and smoke plumes, with Sudanese media blaming the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The airport has been closed since fighting erupted in April 2023. While no group has claimed responsibility, the RSF has been repeatedly accused of carrying out such attacks. These strikes are the third in Khartoum in seven days, despite the army’s recapture of the capital and ongoing reconstruction efforts. The broader conflict in Sudan has caused widespread displacement and a severe humanitarian crisis, with intense violence now concentrated in Darfur.

News Article:

Drone Strikes Target Khartoum Airport Ahead of Reopening, Raising Fears of Escalating Conflict

Khartoum, Sudan – Explosions rocked Sudan’s capital city early Tuesday morning, with multiple drone strikes hitting areas near Khartoum International Airport, just a day before its planned reopening. The airport, a crucial infrastructure hub, has been closed since fighting broke out between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023.

Witnesses reported hearing drones and a series of explosions between 4 am and 6 am local time. Sudanese media outlet Rakoba News, citing eyewitnesses, reported over eight blasts in and around the airport, attributing the attacks to the RSF and calling them “suicide drone” strikes. The Sudan Tribune also reported the drone barrage, noting “plumes of smoke” rising from the airport perimeter, with security sources indicating the military had intercepted some of the drones.

While no group has claimed responsibility, the RSF has been repeatedly accused of targeting military and civilian infrastructure with drone attacks since the army reclaimed control of Khartoum earlier this year. These reported strikes mark the third instance of drone attacks on the capital in the past week, raising concerns about escalating conflict despite ongoing efforts to stabilize the city.

The attacks come just as the Sudanese Civil Aviation Authority announced the gradual resumption of domestic flights from Khartoum airport after extensive technical and operational preparations.

The wider conflict in Sudan has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, displaced nearly 12 million people, and sparked a severe humanitarian crisis. Intense violence is now focused in Darfur, where RSF forces are attempting to seize El-Fasher, the last major city not under their control. The United Nations has warned of potential “large-scale, ethnically driven attacks and atrocities” if the RSF succeeds in capturing the city.

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