Introduction
Evidence of Iran and UAE Drones: In the 14-month-long Sudanese conflict, accusations have emerged against Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for violating a UN arms embargo by supplying drones to the warring factions. This blog delves into the evidence backing these claims and their implications on the conflict.
Unveiling the Drone Involvement
Evidence of Iran and UAE Drones : On March 12, 2024, Sudanese government soldiers celebrated a significant military victory. They recaptured the state broadcaster’s headquarters in Khartoum. Videos of this attack revealed the use of Iranian-made drones. These drones played a crucial role in the army’s airstrikes, highlighting a new phase in the conflict.
In the war’s early stages, the army relied heavily on the air force. According to Suliman Baldo, director of the Sudan Transparency and Policy Observatory, the armed forces had no ground presence and found themselves besieged. The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) maintained ground control, especially in Khartoum and Darfur.
Identifying Iranian Drones
By January 2024, a video surfaced showing an army drone shot down by the RSF. Drone expert Wim Zwijnenburg identified its wreckage as resembling the Iranian-manufactured Mohajer-6. This drone can fly up to 2,000 km and carry out airstrikes with guided munitions. Zwijnenburg also identified another version of this drone in a satellite image of the army’s Wadi Seidna military base.
Three weeks later, another video showed a different drone downed by the RSF. Zwijnenburg matched it to the Zajil-3, a locally manufactured version of the Iranian Ababil-3 drone. Evidence of these drones in satellite images of Wadi Seidna suggests active Iranian support for the Sudanese army. Despite Sudan’s governing council denying such acquisitions, the presence of these drones indicates otherwise.
The UAE’s Alleged Involvement
In December, a Boeing 747 from Iranian cargo carrier Qeshm Fars Air took off from Iran, disappearing from radar near the Red Sea. Satellite images later showed a similar plane at Port Sudan airport. This flight pattern repeated several times until January, coinciding with the documented use of Iranian drones.
Qeshm Fars Air faces US sanctions for transporting weapons across the Middle East. Sudan’s history of military cooperation with Iran, which ended in 2016, has seemingly resumed. Baldo suggests Iran seeks a foothold in the region, providing advanced drones in exchange for strategic concessions.
Conversely, the UAE allegedly supports the RSF with quadcopter drones. These drones, made from commercial components, can drop 120mm mortar shells. Brian Castner, a weapons expert at Amnesty International, points to the UAE’s history of supplying such drones in other conflicts, like in Ethiopia and Yemen.
UN Report and Flight Evidence
A UN report presented to the Security Council earlier this year tracked a civilian aircraft air bridge from the UAE to the RSF. The route included stops in Nairobi and Kampala before ending at Amdjarass airport in Chad, close to the RSF’s stronghold in Darfur. Despite the UAE’s denial, the report cites local sources and military groups observing vehicles carrying arms from these planes.
Baldo highlights the UAE’s economic interests in Sudan, seeking influence over the Red Sea. This geopolitical motive underpins the alleged support for the RSF, contrary to their claims of delivering humanitarian aid.
Violating the UN Embargo
The use of these drones violates a 2005 UN Security Council resolution prohibiting weapon supplies to Sudan’s government and armed factions in Darfur. Castner urges the Security Council to enforce a comprehensive arms embargo on all of Sudan, considering the severe humanitarian crisis. Read more: Tragic Fire in Kuwait
Impact on the Ground
Since the appearance of drones, the conflict dynamics have shifted. The Sudanese army has broken sieges, and the RSF has withdrawn from some neighborhoods west of the capital. Baldo attributes these changes to the deployment of Iranian drones.
The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (Acled) reports over 16,650 civilian deaths. The UN estimates around nine million people have been displaced. Civilians like Abdullah Makkawi have fled to safer regions, only to fear the reach of drone attacks.
Civilian Testimonies
Makkawi recalls a narrow escape from a drone attack in southern Khartoum. He and his family hid under beds, surviving by a miracle. The conflict, spreading beyond the capital, has reported civilian deaths due to drone attacks in northern, eastern, and central Sudan.
Makkawi’s family now resides in Port Sudan. However, he fears drones might reach them there too. He echoes the sentiment of many Sudanese: the desire for peace and an end to foreign support for both sides.
Conclusion
Evidence of Iran and UAE supplying drones to Sudan’s warring factions underscores the complexity of this conflict. These actions violate international embargoes and exacerbate the humanitarian crisis. For Sudan to find peace, the international community must address these violations and enforce strict arms controls. Only then can the country hope to end its devastating civil war.
Sources: https://www.bbc.com/
