Drone Strike Deepens Sudanese Conflict Amid Peace Talks

A recent drone strike at an eastern Sudanese army base during a visit by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has cast doubt on peace efforts in the 15-month civil war between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese army. The attack killed five people and occurred amid renewed RSF territorial incursions.

A drone strike hit an eastern Sudanese army base during a visit by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, eyewitnesses reported to Reuters on Wednesday. The incident has raised questions about the feasibility of ending the 15-month civil war.

According to an army statement, the attack took place during a graduation ceremony at the Gibeit army base, roughly 100 km from Port Sudan in Sudan's Red Sea state, resulting in five fatalities. Social media videos showed soldiers marching before an explosion, with subsequent videos displaying chaos as people fled.

General Burhan was reported safe in Port Sudan. The drone attack is part of a series of recent strikes on army bases, with locations such as Kosti, Rabak, and Kenana also hit over the past two days. The conflict which began in April 2023 between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese army has led to a dire humanitarian crisis affecting millions.

The RSF has not claimed responsibility for these strikes but continues efforts to capture more territory, displacing thousands. Despite various mediation attempts, no lasting ceasefire has been achieved, though upcoming talks in Switzerland offer a glimmer of hope.

(With inputs from agencies.)