KHARTOUM, Oct 21, 2025 — A drone attack hit the area around Khartoum International Airport on Monday evening, just days before officials planned to reopen it for limited operations. The strike reignited tensions in Sudan’s war-torn capital, where rival military factions continue to clash despite repeated ceasefire efforts.
Explosions Near Airport
Residents near the airport reported three loud explosions followed by heavy gunfire. Thick plumes of smoke rose from the runway area, suggesting damage to airport facilities.
“We heard multiple blasts and then nonstop anti-aircraft fire,” said Abdelrahman Musa, a resident of Al-Amarat district. “The ground shook for several minutes. Everyone feared the worst.”
The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) blamed the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for the attack. They claimed the strike aimed to disrupt government efforts to reopen the airport for humanitarian and limited commercial flights. The RSF has not yet responded publicly.
In a statement aired on state television, the army said the attack caused “minor infrastructural damage” and no casualties among airport staff or soldiers. However, independent journalists reported two injuries and damage to a nearby fuel storage facility.
A Symbol of Recovery
Khartoum International Airport has remained closed since April 2023, when fighting erupted between the SAF, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the RSF, commanded by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti). The airport, once Sudan’s busiest hub, turned into a battlefield during the early days of the war.
Authorities recently announced plans to reopen the airport for humanitarian operations in coordination with international agencies. The move was seen as a small but crucial step toward restoring normalcy and enabling aid deliveries to millions of civilians trapped in the capital.
“This attack clearly targets peace and aid efforts,” said a government spokesperson. “It threatens infrastructure and the lives of people who depend on humanitarian assistance.”
Impact on Civilians
The attack has deepened fear among Khartoum residents, many of whom have already endured nearly two years of conflict. Bombings, food shortages, and displacement have turned daily survival into a struggle.
“I thought the reopening meant some stability,” said Mariam Hassan, a displaced mother of four. “But after last night, I’m losing hope again.”
Neighborhoods surrounding the airport, including Al-Sahafa and Al-Deim, were already devastated by earlier raids. The new strike forced many families to flee once more, unsure where to find safety.
Humanitarian agencies had welcomed the airport’s planned reopening. They said it would speed up the delivery of food, fuel, and medicine. The World Food Programme (WFP) warned that renewed violence could “critically delay aid flights,” worsening Sudan’s hunger crisis.
Rising Political and Military Tensions
The drone attack came as peace talks in Jeddah, mediated by the African Union and Saudi Arabia, showed little progress. Both the SAF and RSF accuse each other of violating ceasefires, attacking civilians, and blocking aid routes.
Analysts believe the strike reflects RSF’s attempt to assert dominance over key zones before any potential settlement.
“Control of Khartoum airport carries huge symbolic value,” said Dr. Hamid Abdelrahim, a Nairobi-based political analyst. “If the army reopens it under its control, it strengthens its legitimacy and weakens RSF’s bargaining power.”
International Condemnation
Global organizations swiftly condemned the attack. The United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) urged both sides to “refrain from targeting critical infrastructure and ensure civilian safety.”
The African Union warned that such acts could derail peace efforts. “This violence undermines confidence-building and prolongs suffering,” said AU Peace and Security Commissioner Bankole Adeoye.
The U.S. State Department called on both sides to respect humanitarian corridors. “Targeting airports or hospitals is unacceptable,” it said in a statement. “Sudanese civilians have endured enough.”
Background: Sudan’s Ongoing Conflict
Sudan’s war began in April 2023 after a power struggle between the military and RSF leadership. The conflict has killed more than 15,000 people and displaced over 9 million, according to the UN.
Once a vibrant metropolis, Khartoum is now scarred by destruction. Electricity, water, and healthcare remain scarce. Nearly 25 million Sudanese—half the population—depend on humanitarian aid.
Despite repeated mediation efforts, the warring sides have failed to secure a lasting truce. The RSF controls much of western and southern Khartoum, while the army holds the north and east.
For civilians, daily life revolves around survival. Schools remain closed, prices keep rising, and access to medical care is limited.
Reopening Delayed
After the drone attack, authorities postponed the airport’s reopening. Engineers and security teams began assessing the damage to determine when operations could safely resume.
An official from the Civil Aviation Authority said reopening will remain on hold “until the site is declared safe.” Technical teams are checking the runway and communication systems with help from international experts.
Meanwhile, aid organizations are exploring alternative routes. Some plan to use airstrips in Port Sudan and El-Obeid, though these routes are longer and less efficient.
Civilians Caught in the Crossfire
Many residents viewed the airport’s reopening as a symbol of hope. Now, that optimism has faded.
“Every time there’s talk of progress, fighting breaks out again,” said Mahmoud Idris, a shopkeeper near the airport. “We just want peace so our children can live without fear.”
Humanitarian workers say access to Khartoum remains one of their biggest challenges. “Without safe entry points like the airport, relief efforts are nearly impossible,” said a Médecins Sans Frontières official.
The Broader Picture
The drone strike highlights Sudan’s fragile state and the ongoing power struggle between its two main factions. It also underscores how difficult it is to separate military targets from civilian infrastructure in Khartoum’s dense urban landscape.
While both sides claim to fight for national stability, civilians continue to pay the price. Each attack pushes Sudan further from peace and recovery.
“The airport reopening could have been a turning point,” said analyst Abdelrahim. “Now it’s another reminder that in Sudan’s war, hope is fragile.”
Conclusion
The drone strike near Khartoum International Airport serves as a stark warning of Sudan’s unstable path. It shattered hopes for humanitarian relief and reminded the world that the capital remains a battlefield.
As international mediators call for restraint and civilians plead for peace, the reopening of Sudan’s main gateway to the world hangs in uncertainty — suspended between hope and despair.
