Drone Strike Targets Sudanese Armed Forces in Kosti

A drone strike targeted the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) 18th Infantry Division headquarters in Kosti, White Nile state. The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, April 30, 2025, resulted in a massive explosion after a fuel depot was hit and destroyed, according to local residents.

Details of the Attack

Eyewitnesses reported that drones began hovering over the city around midnight before carrying out at least two airstrikes. One of the drones struck the SAF division’s compound directly. Despite the Sudanese military’s attempts to intercept the drones, the unmanned aircraft were able to complete their mission.

RSF’s Use of Drones

The attack is part of a growing trend of drone warfare by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). In recent weeks, the RSF has increased its use of long-range drones, primarily targeting areas controlled by the SAF. This marks a significant shift in the tactics used by the RSF in the ongoing conflict.

Government Response

On April 26, Sudan’s army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan vowed to counter the RSF’s aerial operations. He pledged to eliminate the sources of these drone attacks and escalate efforts to neutralize this emerging threat.

Casualties and Impact

As of now, the SAF has not issued an official statement regarding the drone strike in Kosti. However, local sources reported that several soldiers were either killed or injured in the bombing. The exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed.

Strategic Significance of 18th Infantry Division

The 18th Infantry Division is a strategically significant unit in the Sudanese military, playing a critical role in maintaining security and logistical continuity in central and southern Sudan.

Impact on Kosti

Kosti, traditionally regarded as a stable city, has now joined a growing list of urban centers experiencing direct assaults. The use of drone warfare has introduced a new and unpredictable dimension to the conflict, which has left thousands dead and displaced millions across Sudan.

Future Implications

As the conflict deepens, analysts warn that drone warfare could become a defining tactic in the battle between Sudan’s rival military factions. For civilians in cities like Kosti, the line between frontlines and home continues to blur.

Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) Commit Massacre in Al-Salha

According to Sudan’s Doctors Network, the RSF have killed 31 civilian captives in the al-Salha neighborhood of Omdurman. The RSF claimed that the civilians were collaborating with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).

RSF Control in Al-Salha

The RSF took control of Al-Salha after being driven out of Khartoum and parts of Omdurman by the SAF during the ongoing conflict between the two groups.

Shocking Video Evidence

A video released by the RSF documenting the killings has sparked outrage among Sudanese citizens. The Sudanese Emergency Lawyers group described the footage as showing civilians being shot in cold blood, with an RSF leader admitting to orders to eliminate civilians.

International Condemnation

The Sudanese Congress Party, Umma National Party, and civil democratic alliance Sumood have all condemned the massacre in Al-Salha. They have denounced the deliberate targeting of civilians and vital infrastructure, including drone strikes on power stations and IDP camps.

These actions have been described as brutal and in violation of international charters.

Drone Strike on Atbara Power Substation Deepens Sudan’s Energy Crisis

Attack on Atbara Power Substation:

The Sudanese Electricity Holding Company has reported that the Atbara power substation in River Nile State was targeted by a drone strike, marking the fourth attack on the facility. The incident has caused widespread power outages in the River Nile and Red Sea States, exacerbating the country’s energy crisis amidst the ongoing war.

Fire at the Substation:

A statement from the company’s Media Coordination Council confirmed that the drone attack ignited a fire at the substation. Civil defense teams are currently working to extinguish the blaze, after which a technical assessment will be carried out to determine the extent of the damage and initiate restoration efforts.

RSF Blamed for the Attack:

The company accused the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of launching the drone attack on the electricity infrastructure. The RSF has increasingly utilized drones since the conflict with the Sudanese Armed Forces began in April 2023, targeting strategic facilities like power plants and transmission stations.

Impact on Civilian Life:

The frequent strikes on critical infrastructure have led to instability in the country’s electrical grid, resulting in routine electricity blackouts across Sudan. Residents in various states face prolonged power cuts, especially in areas controlled by the SAF, adding to the challenges faced by millions amidst soaring temperatures.

Challenges Faced by Citizens:

As a result of the power outages, demand for alternative cooling solutions has surged, leading to increased prices for essential services like ice for food and medicine preservation. The war has severely impacted public services, including access to clean water, electricity, and healthcare, further straining the already fragile power sector.

Long-Term Consequences:

Analysts warn that continued attacks on power infrastructure could have far-reaching consequences not only for civilian life but also for Sudan’s long-term recovery post-conflict. The ongoing targeting of critical facilities poses a significant threat to the country’s ability to rebuild and restore basic services once the fighting ceases.