International Desk (EFE).- The Sudanese Army claimed on Wednesday it had shot down an Emirati aircraft carrying at least 40 Colombian mercenaries as it attempted to land at Nyala airport, in South Darfur state, a stronghold of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
According to a statement cited by local outlets including Sudan Tribune and Sudan Ajbar, the aircraft was also carrying a large shipment of weapons intended for the RSF, Sudan’s main rival force in a war that has ravaged the country since April 2023.
Colombians “backed by UAE,” army alleges
The airstrike comes two days after Sudan’s military government renewed its accusations that foreign fighters, including Colombians, have joined the RSF ranks, allegedly financed by the United Arab Emirates.
“The Army possesses documents and evidence proving the involvement of mercenaries from the Republic of Colombia,” Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated earlier this week, claiming they are “sponsored and financed by the UAE.”
Abu Dhabi has previously denied supporting the RSF, and as of Wednesday, there was no immediate comment from the UAE government or the RSF leadership regarding the latest incident.
Sudan Tribune reported that it could not independently verify the military’s claims.
Nyala airport reportedly used for arms and gold smuggling
The RSF captured Nyala in late 2024, according to Sudan Tribune and eyewitness accounts, and has since been accused by the military of turning the airport into a key logistical base.
The Army alleges that the RSF uses civilian infrastructure to receive foreign weapon shipments and to smuggle gold out of the region.
Military sources quoted by Sudanese media also claim that Nyala has become a training center for both local recruits and foreign fighters, further escalating the complexity of the conflict.
Since civil war erupted on Apr. 15, 2023, tens of thousands of people have been killed and an estimated 13 million displaced, according to the United Nations, making Sudan one of the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. EFE
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