2025 East Sudan drone attacks
In the beginning of May 2025, the RSF waged drone attacks in Kassala and Port Sudan for the first time.
Background
On 15 April 2023, the SAF and RSF began attacks throughout the country, making the country's third civil war. During the Sudanese civil war (2023-present), the states of Kassala and Red Sea have never been part of the war and have been considered safe, excluding the attempted assassination of Burhan in Jubayt.Drone attacks
On 3 May 2025, the RSF used three drones to attack the airport in Kassala. The attack targeted a fuel tank. No specific damage or casualties were mentioned. Later that day, the RSF waged an attack on the international airport in Port Sudan with 11 drones. The attack targeted an airbase, civilian facilities, and a goods warehouse. Flights were closed that day until 5:00PM. The attacks aim to destroy infrastructure across the country that are controlled by the Sudanese government.Spokesperson Nabil Abdallah said on 4 May, 2025, "The RSF targeted the Osman Digna airbase, a goods warehouse, and some civilian facilities in the city of Port Sudan with suicide drones." He also had said there was "limited damage." Commander of the Red Sea Mahjoub Bushra told Sudan's news agency the assault lasted 3 and a half hours with eleven suicide drones.
On 5 May, the RSF started its second wave of drone attacks, suspending flights again. Smoke was seen by the strikes.
On 6 May, a third wave of drones attacked areas around the city of Port Sudan and its airport. A drone reportedly targeted and struck a fuel depot on the airport grounds, resulting in an explosion and fire. Explosions were also reported near the Marina Hotel and the Flamingo military base in the center and north of the city respectively.
A fourth wave of drones attacked the city on 7 May, with explosions being heard. The SAF claimed that these explosions were caused by the drones being downed by anti-aircraft missiles.
On 9 May, The SAF repelled a sixth wave of drone attacks targeting Port Sudan's Flamingo base. The army also claimed to have engaged in drones flying over Port Sudan and Rabak the previous night on 8 May.