A series of drone strikes on Sudanese army targets in the eastern state of Gedaref on Tuesday shattered the relative calm that had prevailed in the region, marking a significant escalation in the country’s ongoing conflict, military and security sources confirmed.
The strikes, which targeted key military installations, including state security and intelligence headquarters, rattled Gedaref, located over 400 kilometers (250 miles) east of Khartoum, the capital. While one of the drones caused minimal damage, another landed nearby, according to reports from security sources.
Eyewitnesses in Gedaref reported hearing intense anti-aircraft fire from the army in response to the drone attacks. The heightened military activity prompted concerns among residents, leading to the closure of shops amid fears of further escalation.
State governor Mohammed Abdelrahman reassured the public, stating that the situation had stabilized by Tuesday afternoon. He emphasized that security forces would remain vigilant and mobilized across the state to ensure the safety of civilians.
Meanwhile, in Al-Faw, located 150 kilometers west of Gedaref, a military source revealed that a drone strike targeted an army division. Al-Faw is situated just 25 kilometers east of the frontline between the Sudanese army and paramilitary forces.
The eastern region of Sudan, including Gedaref, had previously been considered a relatively safe area for millions of civilians displaced from other conflict zones. However, the drone strikes have now disrupted the peace that residents had enjoyed.
As tensions escalate, the situation in eastern Sudan remains fluid, with authorities closely monitoring developments amid concerns about the safety and security of civilians in the region.
