The conflict in Sudan is exacerbated by the supply of drones and military aid from Iran, the UAE, and Russia, impacting the fighting between the SAF and RSF. This influx of foreign military support has led to increased violence, including attacks on civilians and hospitals. Experts warn that the ongoing conflict, fueled by these external actors, may continue despite efforts for a negotiated resolution.
Since January, Iranian cargo planes have been frequently observed at the Port Sudan airport, critical to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) under General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. Following this influx, the SAF commenced operations utilizing Iranian-made Mohajer-6 drones against the opposing Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Concurrently, the United Arab Emirates and Russia have provided the RSF with a variety of military supplies, including drones capable of launching mortar shells. This extensive deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles has intensified the deadly conflict between the SAF and RSF, who are vying for control over Sudan’s valuable resources.
The United Nations arms embargo on Sudan is being violated as numerous foreign-sourced drones enter the conflict. Notably, Russia and the UAE have facilitated these supplies primarily through Chad and Libya, with some shipments masquerading as humanitarian aid. Furthermore, reports indicate that the Africa Corps, previously known as the Wagner Group, has utilized its connections in other regions to smuggle advanced weaponry to the RSF.
The RSF’s drone capabilities have enabled assaults on both military and civilian targets, including a hospital in Omdurman, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the conflict-torn region. Despite the SAF successfully leveraging new Iranian drone technology to regain strategic locations, the overall toll of the conflict has been devastating, with over 15,000 fatalities reported since hostilities escalated in April 2023. Medical infrastructure has suffered significant damage, leading to unnecessary loss of life among vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women.
Experts argue that the continued drone supply chain is likely to prolong the conflict, undermining international diplomatic efforts for resolution. In fact, a key Sudan expert indicates that if UAE support for the RSF were to cease, there is an 80 percent probability the war might conclude the following day.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan stems from a power struggle between two prominent military factions—the Sudanese Armed Forces, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The involvement of external actors like Iran, the UAE, and Russia has escalated this internal conflict into a regional security concern, highlighting the role of foreign military support in sustaining and intensifying hostilities. Recent developments emphasize the use of unmanned aerial vehicles, significantly impacting the course of combat and humanitarian conditions within Sudan.
The escalation of the conflict in Sudan, driven by the influx of foreign-sourced drones and military aid, presents a multifaceted challenge to both local and international stability. As the humanitarian crisis deepens, the prospect of a peaceful resolution remains elusive, underscoring the profound impact of external intervention. Addressing the underlying geopolitical interests of foreign nations is critical for any meaningful advancement toward peace in Sudan.
Original Source: www.defenceweb.co.za
