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Sudan blames Ethiopia, UAE for recent drone attacks: What we know

4 articles
2 sources
0% diversity
Updated 6.5.2026
Key Topics & People
Ethiopia *Sudan Khartoum United Arab Emirates Rapid Support Forces

Coverage Framing

3
1
Conflict(3)
National Security(1)
Avg Factuality:65%
Avg Sensationalism:Moderate

Story Timeline

May 6 Evening

1 articles|1 sources
drone attackssudanethiopiaunited arab emirateskhartoum
National Security(1)
Al JazeeraMay 6

Sudan blames Ethiopia, UAE for recent drone attacks: What we know

Sudan has accused Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates of orchestrating recent drone attacks, including one at Khartoum International Airport. The Sudanese government claims to have evidence of four drone attacks since March 1, originating from Ethiopia's Bahir Dar airport, with the UAE allegedly supplying the drones. Sudan has recalled its ambassador to Ethiopia and stated it will respond to any aggression. These attacks, which have targeted various Sudanese states and resulted in civilian casualties, have shattered a recent sense of calm following years of civil war. The incidents follow the arrival of the first international flight at Khartoum airport in three years.

Mixed toneMixed3 sources
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Key Claims

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Sudan accuses Ethiopia and UAE of being behind recent drone attacks, including at Khartoum airport.

— Sudanese government spokesperson Brigadier General Asim Awad Abdelwahab

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Ethiopia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected Sudan’s accusations as baseless.

— Ethiopia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs

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Sudan claims evidence of four drone attacks since March 1 originating from Ethiopia’s Bahir Dar airport.

— Sudanese government spokesperson Brigadier General Asim Awad Abdelwahab

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Sudan claims the UAE provided the drones used in the attacks.

— Sudanese government spokesperson Brigadier General Asim Awad Abdelwahab

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A drone attack on Omdurman killed five people travelling on a civilian bus.

May 5 Evening

2 articles|1 sources
sudanethiopiadrone attackskhartoumuae
Conflict(2)
Al JazeeraMay 5

Sudan recalls Ethiopia ambassador after strikes on Khartoum

Sudan has recalled its ambassador from Ethiopia following accusations that Ethiopia was responsible for recent strikes on Khartoum's airport. The Sudanese government stated that these attacks targeted the airport, prompting the diplomatic action. This recall signifies a significant escalation in tensions between the two neighboring countries. The specific timing of the recall is in direct response to the alleged Ethiopian involvement in the airport strikes. The situation highlights a breakdown in diplomatic relations and an increase in regional instability.

MeasuredFactual
Negative
Al JazeeraMay 5

Sudan accuses Ethiopia, UAE of being behind recent drone attacks

Sudan has accused Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of orchestrating recent drone attacks, including one on Khartoum International Airport that disrupted operations for three days. Khartoum claims to possess evidence of four drone attacks launched from Ethiopia since early March, with the UAE allegedly supplying the drones. In response, Sudan recalled its ambassador from Ethiopia. Ethiopia has dismissed the accusations as "baseless" and counter-accused Sudan of funding rebels in the Tigray region. The UAE has not yet commented but has previously denied supporting the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has been in conflict with the Sudanese Armed Forces for over three years. These renewed drone attacks have shattered a period of relative calm in the capital.

MeasuredMixed3 sources
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Key Claims

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Sudan has recalled its ambassador to Addis Ababa.

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Sudan accuses Ethiopia of being behind attacks on Khartoum’s airport.

— Sudan

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A TPLF official denied connections with Sudanese authorities.

— Amanuel Assefa (TPLF official)

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The UAE has repeatedly denied funding the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

— UAE

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Sudan claims it has evidence of four drone attacks launched from Ethiopia with UAE-supplied drones.

— Sudan

May 5 Morning

1 articles|1 sources
drone attacksudan civil warkhartoum airportsudan's armed forcesrapid support forces
Conflict(1)
South China Morning PostMay 5

Drones shatter months of relative calm in Sudan’s capital as international airport targeted

Sudan's armed forces reported a drone attack on Khartoum International Airport on Monday, blaming the United Arab Emirates and Ethiopia. This incident marks a significant escalation, shattering months of relative calm in the capital amidst the ongoing civil war. The strikes, which began Friday, have impacted both military and civilian areas, according to residents. Sudan has previously accused the UAE of supporting paramilitary forces and Ethiopia of involvement in the conflict, though both nations have denied these allegations. The attacks come as people and organizations had begun returning to the city after the army regained control in March 2025.

Mixed toneMixed1 source
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Key Claims

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Reuters could not independently verify the claims made by Sudan's armed forces.

— Reuters

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Sudan's armed forces blamed the UAE and Ethiopia for a drone attack on Khartoum airport.

— Sudan's armed forces

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Sudan has previously accused the UAE of supporting RSF paramilitaries, a charge the UAE denies.

— Sudan, UAE

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Strikes since Friday have hit military targets and civilian areas in Khartoum.

— residents