Latest News

UAE denies involvement of Sudan airport attack

According to a late-night statement by an UAE official, the United Arab Emirates have denied Sudan's allegations that an Emirati drone was used in an attack launched on a?Khartoum Airport on Monday.

Sudan has accused the UAE for a long time of supporting the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces that are fighting against the Sudanese Army in a civil war that is now three years old and has devastated the country. The Gulf State has denied that and stated it wants to end the conflict.

Sudan's army spokesperson claimed late on Monday that the?UAE had intensified its support. He broadcast images and flight routes he said showed Emirati drones which had taken off from Ethiopia's Bahirdar airport and hit several locations in Sudan between March and May. The information was not independently verified.

Sudanese officials said that they are also prepared to?respond to the alleged violation.

When asked for comment by the UAE official, he said: "These fabrications form part of a deliberate pattern of deflection. They are meant to prolong the conflict and obstruct any genuine peace process."

Ethiopia also denied the allegations in a press release.

Egypt and Saudi Arabia issued statements condemning the attack on Khartoum Airport, which recently reopened for flights. Both countries have warned against any interference from Sudan's neighbors.

Massad Boulos is the U.S. administration's senior advisor for Arab and African Affairs. He also stated that external support of either side in the conflict should cease.

Sudan's conflict erupted when the RSF and Sudanese Army fell out over plans to integrate forces and transition towards democracy.

RSF took Khartoum quickly but was 'pushed out last Year. Since then, it has taken control of the Darfur region to the west and opened up a new front in the Blue Nile State along Ethiopia's border. Drone attacks have also been carried out. (Written by Nafisa ELtahir and edited by William Maclean).

(source: Reuters)