Drone Attacks Target Sudan Power Grid Amid Rising Tensions

A series of aerial operations has struck multiple electricity substations in the eastern and northern regions of Sudan, marking a significant escalation in an ongoing campaign that has heavily disrupted national power supplies. The incidents occurred on Monday, bringing the total number of recorded strikes against the country's electrical grid to eighteen over the previous week and resulting in widespread power outages across several areas.

Local media reports indicate that facilities located in New Halfa and Aroma within the eastern state of Kassala were impacted early Monday. Simultaneously, the al-Ghazali substation situated in Sudan's Northern State was targeted. Online platforms circulated video footage showing active fires at these sites as civil defence personnel attempted to manage the situation, though independent verification of the media remains limited.

In response to the escalation, Sudan's military government has publicly accused Ethiopia of providing assistance to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which have been engaged in armed conflict with the army since April 2023. Government authorities announced on Sunday that formal complaints had been submitted to the United Nations Security Council and the African Union's Peace and Security Council regarding Addis Ababa's alleged involvement in the attacks on civilian and power infrastructure.

Recent drone attacks have severely disrupted electricity supplies across parts of Sudan.

Meanwhile, the Sudanese army reported developments regarding internal dissent within the paramilitary ranks. According to official statements, a faction of RSF members surrendered to military forces in Damazin, the administrative center of the southeastern Blue Nile state. This follows a separate declaration by senior commander Siddiq Ander regarding his departure from the group. Military representatives stated that the surrendered personnel provided operational information concerning regional management and alleged foreign support.

Why it matters

The ongoing destruction of critical infrastructure directly impacts civilian populations through extended electricity disruptions and regional instability. These developments also escalate diplomatic tensions between neighboring nations, altering the geopolitical landscape of the conflict.