By Our Correspondent

National News – Sudan has accused Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of orchestrating drone attacks on Khartoum International Airport and nearby military sites, describing the incident as direct aggression.

The strikes occurred on Monday in Greater Khartoum, disrupting operations at Sudan’s main aviation hub.

Officials say no casualties were recorded, but administrative damage was reported and airport services were suspended for 72 hours.

The Sudanese army claims it has conclusive evidence that the drones were launched from Bahir Dar airport in Ethiopia, allegedly involving equipment linked to the UAE.

Ethiopia has denied the accusations as baseless, while the UAE has not issued a detailed response but has previously rejected claims of involvement in Sudan’s civil war.

Analysts say the attack marks a renewed escalation in Sudan’s ongoing conflict between the national army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which began in 2023 and has devastated the country.

The airport had only recently resumed limited international flights after years of disruption, making the strike a setback to fragile stabilization efforts.

Sudan has recalled its ambassador to Ethiopia for consultations, escalating diplomatic tensions.

Witnesses reported explosions and smoke near the airport, with minor damage to administrative buildings.

The information ministry says operations will resume after safety checks, while Ethiopia insists Sudan is ignoring violations of its own territory.

The UAE continues to deny providing military support to any armed group in Sudan.

The broader war has killed more than 150,000 people and displaced about 12 million, according to UN estimates, creating what aid agencies describe as the world’s largest humanitarian crisis.

Famine conditions and reports of atrocities in Darfur continue to raise international concern.

The latest drone strikes highlight the regional dimension of the conflict and the risk of further escalation involving neighbouring states.

International observers are calling for urgent dialogue between Sudan, Ethiopia, and Gulf partners to prevent further destabilisation in the Horn of Africa.

The situation remains fluid as investigations continue into the origin and coordination of the drone operations.