UAE denies Sudan claim of drone attack launched from Ethiopia, calls allegations “fabrications”

Mintesinot Niggusie

The United Arab Emirates has denied allegations by Sudan that an Emirati drone launched from Ethiopia was used in an attack on Khartoum airport, dismissing the claims as “fabrications,” according to a UAE official statement cited by Reuters.

“These fabrications are part of a calculated pattern of deflection – shifting blame to others to evade responsibility for their own actions – and are intended to prolong the war and obstruct a genuine peace process,” the UAE official said in comments to Reuters on Tuesday. Ethiopia has also denied the allegations.

Sudan’s army spokesman had alleged late on Monday that the attack on Khartoum airport, along with strikes on other locations in March and May, involved Emirati-linked drones operating from Bahir Dar airport in Ethiopia. He said images and flight paths supported the claim, though Reuters was not able to independently verify the information. Sudanese authorities said they were prepared to respond to what they described as a violation.

The accusations come amid long-standing claims by Sudan that the UAE is backing the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which have been fighting the Sudanese army in a three-year civil war that has devastated the country. The UAE has repeatedly denied the allegation, saying it seeks an end to the conflict.

Sudan’s military said the latest claims indicated an escalation in external involvement in the war, coming as Khartoum airport had only recently resumed operations after a period of closure due to fighting. Regional reactions followed the incident, with Egypt and Saudi Arabia condemning the attack on Khartoum airport on Tuesday and warning against interference by Sudan’s neighbours.

Massad Boulos, senior adviser to the U.S. administration on Arab and African affairs, also said external support to either side of the conflict must end. Sudan’s war erupted after the Rapid Support Forces and the army fell out over plans to integrate their forces and transition to civilian rule.

The RSF initially took control of Khartoum but was pushed out last year, later consolidating its presence in Darfur and opening a new front in Blue Nile state near the Ethiopian border, where drone attacks have also been reported.