Sudan has accused the United Arab Emirates of executing a drone strike on Port Sudan, the administrative capital of the war-torn nation, earlier this month.
During a statement made in New York on Monday, Khartoum’s representative to the United Nations, Al-Harith Idriss, alleged that the attack was launched from a military base in the UAE, supported by its naval forces stationed in the Red Sea.
This marks the first instance in which Sudan has directly accused the UAE of intervening militarily in its ongoing civil conflict against the paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Idriss further asserted that the drone strike on May 4 was an act of retaliation for an assault on an alleged Emirati aircraft a day prior in Nyala, a city under RSF control.
Recently, Khartoum severed diplomatic relations with the UAE, accusing it of supplying arms and financial support to the rebel faction amidst the prolonged conflict, which has now entered its third year.
The UAE has categorically denied these allegations and has not provided a response to the recent claims.
Historically, Port Sudan has been regarded as a refuge for government officials, diplomats, and humanitarian agencies.
However, since the beginning of the month, the city has experienced a series of drone attacks targeting military installations, the primary airport, and fuel storage sites.
The Sudanese government is now urging the United Nations, African Union, and Arab League to conduct an investigation into the incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
The conflict between the Sudanese military and the RSF was ignited by disagreements over transitioning to a civilian government.
This war has wreaked havoc across Sudan, displacing more than 13 million individuals and causing widespread famine and disease.
Casualties from the conflict have reached tens of thousands of Sudanese lives lost.