Sudanese Army Says It Downed Drone Crossing From Ethiopia, Third Such Incident in Recent Days

**Sudanese Army Reports Third Drone Interception Near Ethiopian Border**

Khartoum, Sudan – The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) announced on Thursday that they shot down a “hostile” drone that entered southeastern Blue Nile State from Ethiopian territory. The incident, which occurred north of the town of Sarkam, marks the third reported drone interception in the border area within the past several days, according to the Sudan Tribune.

The SAF did not disclose the identity of the drone’s operator, its point of origin, or its intended target. Ethiopian authorities have not yet responded to the claim.

The latest interception follows two earlier reports of drone activity in Blue Nile State on Sunday and Monday. In addition, earlier in August the SAF said it downed three FH‑95 drones in North Kordofan State, and in July it reported four separate drone interceptions in the same region.

The drone incidents are occurring amid a broader escalation of fighting across Sudan, where the SAF continues its conflict with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group. Sudanese officials have repeatedly accused the RSF of conducting drone attacks against military positions and civilian infrastructure. The RSF has denied these allegations, stating that its operations aim to protect civilians.

Blue Nile State, particularly the area around Kurmuk near the Ethiopian border, has seen intensified combat. In August, the Sudanese Defense Ministry claimed to have shot down a drone over the Kurmuk area, alleging it was launched from Ethiopian soil. Earlier in August, the RSF reported an attack on the border town of Geissan in Blue Nile State, which a Sudanese army source cited as having originated “from inside Ethiopian territory.” The International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimated that the Geissan assault displaced approximately 2,500 people, with around 500 families forced to relocate, some crossing into Ethiopia.

In May, the Sudanese government accused Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates of facilitating drone attacks launched from Ethiopian territory against several Sudanese states, including strikes on Khartoum and its airport. Both Ethiopia and the UAE have rejected these accusations.

The ongoing hostilities have heightened insecurity in the region, prompting humanitarian agencies to monitor displacement and the volatile security situation closely.

Article and image source: allafrica.com