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📍 Nyala, Sudan — August 2025
A Sudanese military airstrike on Nyala airport in South Darfur has reportedly killed at least 40 suspected Colombian mercenaries and destroyed a shipment of weapons allegedly sent by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), according to Sudanese officials and a rebel adviser. The strike, carried out Wednesday, also destroyed a suspected Emirati military aircraft.
🛑 Targeting Foreign-Supported RSF Operations
Sudan’s state-run television described the attack as a “new equation of deterrence” aimed at curbing foreign interference in the country’s internal conflict. The aircraft was said to have originated from a Gulf military base and was struck upon landing. Sudanese authorities accuse RSF of converting Nyala’s civilian airport into a military hub for receiving arms and smuggling gold.
The UAE Foreign Ministry denied the allegations, calling them “unfounded” and part of a “campaign of disinformation.” RSF has not issued a statement in response.
🇨🇴 Colombian Mercenaries and International Reaction
The presence of Colombian mercenaries in Darfur was confirmed in an April report by UN experts, which stated they were hired by a private security firm to support RSF operations. The Colombian Foreign Ministry acknowledged their presence and announced the formation of a rapid response group to ensure their safe return. Colombian President Gustavo Petro has ordered an investigation into the reported deaths.
✈️ UAE Bars Sudanese Aircraft
In a related development, Sudan’s Civil Aviation Authority reported that the UAE barred Sudanese planes from landing at its airports on Wednesday. A Sudanese airliner was also prevented from departing Abu Dhabi, in what Sudanese officials described as an “uncoordinated” and “surprise” move. Diplomatic relations between Sudan and the UAE have deteriorated over Abu Dhabi’s alleged support for RSF.
⚔️ RSF Siege of el-Fasher Intensifies
Meanwhile, satellite imagery analyzed by the Humanitarian Research Lab at Yale University revealed that RSF has imposed a complete blockade on el-Fasher, the last major city in Darfur under military control. The report stated that all access routes are controlled by RSF, with civilians forced to pass through narrow checkpoints.
Since June, RSF bombardments have targeted key civilian infrastructure in el-Fasher, including markets, schools, and mosques. Earlier this year, RSF seized the Zamzam displacement camp near the city, killing hundreds and displacing thousands.
🌍 Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
Sudan’s civil war, which erupted in April 2023 between the military and RSF, has led to tens of thousands of deaths, displaced over 14 million people, and pushed parts of the country into famine. The conflict has been marked by widespread atrocities, including mass killings, sexual violence, and the recruitment of child soldiers. The International Criminal Court is investigating potential war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Sudan on the globe map picture by TUBS
