Sudan’s army intercepts RSF drone attack on civilian facilities in Blue Nile state

KHARTOUM, Sudan/ISTANBUL

The Sudanese army intercepted a drone attack by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that targeted civilian service facilities in Ad-Damazin, the capital of Blue Nile state, authorities said on Sunday.

The Blue Nile state government said in a statement that the armed forces repelled an RSF attempt to target civilian infrastructure in the city, describing the RSF as a “terrorist militia.”

It condemned “in the strongest terms” the drone attack and the rebel group’s attempt to strike the city’s power station, without providing details on casualties or damage.

The power station is a vital public facility relied upon for having access to water and operating hospitals, dialysis centers and neonatal care units, the statement added.

The attack reflects a “clear disregard for the lives of civilians and their humanitarian needs,” it added.

Authorities reassured residents that the “situation is under control,” adding that the Sudanese army is fulfilling its duty to maintain security and stability, protect lives and property, and prevent efforts to drag the country into chaos.

There was no immediate comment from the RSF on the attack.

Earlier Sunday, the non-governmental Emergency Lawyers group said RSF drones targeted Ad-Damazin’s main power station Saturday, causing a total blackout and disrupting water supplies.

Sudanese authorities have recently accused the RSF of carrying out a series of drone attacks on civilian facilities, including power stations and infrastructure, in northern and eastern cities.

The group controls all five Darfur states out of Sudan’s 18 states, while the army holds most of the remaining 13 states, including the capital, Khartoum.

The civil war between the Sudanese army and the RSF, which began in April 2023, has killed thousands of people and displaced millions of others.