War in the Skies: The Truth Behind Iran and UAE Drones in Sudan

Unveiling the Role of Iran and UAE Drones in Sudan's Civil War

Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) face allegations of violating a UN arms embargo by supplying drones to the warring factions in Sudan’s devastating 14-month conflict. We delve into the evidence supporting these claims.

March 12, 2024: A Turning Point in Khartoum

On March 12, 2024, Sudanese government soldiers celebrated a significant victory. They recaptured the state broadcaster’s headquarters in Khartoum, a building previously seized by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) at the war’s onset 11 months earlier. This military success was notable for the involvement of Iranian-made drones, as shown in videos of the attack.

Early Stages of the Conflict

Initially, the Sudanese army heavily relied on its air force. Suliman Baldo, director of the Sudan Transparency and Policy Observatory, noted that the armed forces were besieged and lacked ground combat units. The RSF controlled much of Khartoum and Darfur, while the army dominated the skies.

Drone Evidence and Identification

In January 2024, a video surfaced on Twitter showing an army drone downed by the RSF. Wim Zwijnenburg, a drone expert from Dutch peace organization PAX, identified its wreckage as resembling the Iranian-manufactured Mohajer-6. This drone, measuring 6.5 meters in length and capable of flying up to 2,000 kilometers, can perform airstrikes with guided munitions.

A satellite image from Planet Labs later confirmed the presence of another similar drone at the army’s Wadi Seidna military base.

The Zajil-3 Drone

Three weeks after the Mohajer-6 incident, another drone, identified as a Zajil-3 (a locally made version of Iran’s Ababil-3), was downed by the RSF. The Zajil-3 had been used in Sudan for years, but its deployment in this war was first noted in January. Satellite images in March revealed another Zajil-3 at Wadi Seidna, indicating Iran’s active support despite the Sudanese governing council’s denial of acquiring weapons from Iran.

Suspicious Flights and Alleged Shipments

In early December, a Boeing 747 from Iranian cargo carrier Qeshm Fars Air, which faces US sanctions for transporting weapons, disappeared from radar after departing Bandar Abbas, Iran. It was later spotted at Port Sudan airport. This flight was repeated five times until January, coinciding with the documented use of Iranian drones. Sudan’s restored relations with Tehran suggest strategic exchanges, as noted by Mr. Baldo from the Sudan Transparency and Policy Observatory.

RSF's Drone Arsenal and UAE Involvement

The RSF has also been using quadcopter drones capable of dropping 120mm mortar shells. Brian Castner from Amnesty International pointed to the UAE, alleging they supplied these drones, similar to those provided in conflicts in Ethiopia and Yemen. A UN report earlier this year suggested a civilian aircraft route from Abu Dhabi to Sudan via Nairobi and Kampala, allegedly transporting weapons to the RSF. The UAE, however, denies these claims, asserting their deliveries were humanitarian aid.

The Broader Impact and Civilian Toll

The war, fueled by foreign-supplied drones, has significantly altered the conflict dynamics. The Sudanese army broke several sieges, and the RSF retreated from some areas west of Khartoum. However, the civilian toll is staggering, with at least 16,650 deaths and 12 million displaced, according to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (Acled) and the UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Personal Accounts

Abdullah Makkawi, who fled to Egypt, recounted a harrowing experience in southern Khartoum. Drones attacked his home, forcing his family to take shelter under beds. His story highlights the civilian plight amid the conflict’s spread beyond the capital, with drone attacks reported in northern, eastern, and central Sudan.

Conclusion

The ongoing civil war in Sudan, exacerbated by foreign drone supplies, underscores the need for international intervention. As Mr. Castner emphasized, the UN Security Council must enforce a comprehensive arms embargo to halt the devastation and pave the way for peace.