Continuous drone strikes targeting military and civilian sites across Sudan have dealt significant blows to General al-Burhan’s army (SAF), according to reliable sources. The attacks, which have hit cities including Port Sudan, El-Fasher, Atbara, Kosti, Merowe, Khartoum, and El-Obeid, have not only caused heavy military losses but also highlighted serious issues within Sudan’s intelligence and security apparatus.
Security and Media Deception
Sources reveal that the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS), led by Lt. Gen. Ahmed Mufaddal, played a key role in misleading SAF leadership. The NISS, in coordination with media outlets backed by Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, reportedly propagated false claims of victories, including fabricated reports on the elimination of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Ironically, Mufaddal is said to have introduced drone technology to Sudan during a 2023 visit to Turkey, only for the technology to fall into the hands of RSF, which then used it against SAF and its Islamist allies.
Heavy Military Losses
The drone attacks have inflicted severe losses on the SAF. At least 20 aircraft, including two Bayraktar drones, were destroyed, alongside 50 ammunition depots located in key cities. In addition, 261 military vehicles belonging to SAF and allied armed movements were burned across various fronts. Initial estimates put the number of casualties at over 1,200, including both dead and wounded personnel.
The strikes also caused widespread damage to strategic infrastructure, including airports in Dongola, Merowe, Ad-Dabbah, Wadi Seidna, and Port Sudan, as well as the Flamingo Air Base. Petroleum storage facilities in Port Sudan, Atbara, El-Obeid, and Kosti were also destroyed, further crippling the country’s logistics and fuel supply.
The attacks resulted in widespread power outages affecting states from the Northern State to Khartoum, with partial outages also impacting other regions such as Al-Qatina and Kassala.
Confusion and Discontent Within the Security Services
The ongoing RSF advances, particularly in El-Fasher, El-Obeid, and West Kordofan, have sparked confusion within the SAF leadership. Previous reports from Mufaddal and Military Intelligence had assured that the RSF lacked the capacity to capture key cities, but the rapid RSF gains contradicted these assurances. This shift has led to internal disputes within the military, exacerbated by increasing political pressure from the Islamic Movement and the now-dissolved National Congress Party (NCP), who are determined to prevent any peace negotiations.
Amid these developments, calls for dialogue and a ceasefire are growing from both military and civilian figures, but a hardline faction, including Intelligence Service officials and figures like Ali Karti, opposes such efforts, fearing a loss of influence and control within Sudan’s political structure.
End of Conflict Still Uncertain
As RSF continues to expand its territorial control, the path toward peace remains uncertain, with internal divisions in the security services and political establishments stymying progress toward a resolution.