February 2nd, 2026 - Egyptian Air Base Fuels Drone Warfare in Sudan's Civil Conflict

A new and sophisticated aspect of the ongoing civil war in Sudan is unfolding, with drone warfare now playing a pivotal role. The Egyptian government has established a covert airbase in its Western desert, from which military drones have been launched for operations targeting Sudanese paramilitary groups. Satellite imagery, flight records, and videos analyzed by The New York Times show that drones have been used to strike the Rapid Support Forces (R.S.F.), a ruthless militia involved in the conflict. This covert operation highlights the expanding international involvement in Sudan’s civil war, where foreign powers have begun using high-tech weaponry to advance their interests.

The deployment of drones from Egypt’s base represents a shift in the regional dynamic. Egypt, traditionally a diplomatic player in Sudan, has now actively entered the conflict on the side of Sudan’s military. This marks a significant escalation as Egypt, along with other foreign powers, has entered the battle alongside the Sudanese government forces. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) backs the R.S.F., while Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and others provide support to Sudan’s military. With the rise of drone warfare, the conflict in Sudan has evolved into a more complex and high-tech battlefield.

Drone strikes have been increasingly devastating, with some targeting not only military forces but also civilian infrastructure. The strikes have killed thousands, including both combatants and civilians, and have caused widespread damage. The drones, including Turkish-made Akinci drones, are capable of carrying bombs with long ranges, which have been used to hit strategic targets across Sudan. The use of drones to cut off vital supply lines and destroy key infrastructure, including electricity stations and water plants, has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis.

The rapid expansion of drone warfare in Sudan is partly fueled by the country’s lucrative resources, such as gold, and the involvement of multiple foreign interests seeking to benefit from these resources. For instance, Sudan’s military has been using drones supplied by Turkey, while the R.S.F. has deployed Chinese-made drones with the assistance of the UAE. These drone attacks are part of the broader geopolitical struggle, where countries like Egypt, Turkey, and the UAE have stakes in Sudan’s future and are using drone warfare to assert influence.

In addition to the drones, foreign-backed operations have brought a new level of sophistication to the conflict. Satellite data and flight records suggest that the Turkish-made drones are being operated from Egypt’s airbase, and cargo planes are frequently landing to deliver equipment for these operations. The drones have also been used in response to the fall of Sudanese cities to R.S.F. forces, with Egypt’s involvement now seen as a major tipping point in the conflict. The R.S.F. has threatened to retaliate, declaring that any foreign drone targeting its forces will be considered a legitimate target.

Despite the increasing use of drones and other advanced military technologies, the war in Sudan remains deadlocked, with neither side showing clear signs of victory. The conflict continues to cause immense suffering, with allegations of war crimes on both sides. The United States has imposed sanctions on both Sudan’s military and the R.S.F., but these efforts have done little to curb the flow of weapons and technology into the conflict. The involvement of foreign powers and the increasing use of drones in Sudan suggests that the war will continue to evolve into a more complex and technologically advanced struggle.

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