Sudanese army airstrikes target RSF supplies in Nyala, military says

December 30, 2023 (NYALA) – A Sudanese military official confirmed on Saturday that Sudanese army warplanes had destroyed a substantial supply shipment to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Nyala, the capital of South Darfur state, which had been delivered by the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Earlier on Friday, military aircraft launched a series of airstrikes targeting various locations within Nyala, marking the second time in less than a month that the city has been subjected to such attacks. This incident resulted in the tragic deaths of 118 civilians and left numerous others injured.

The airstrikes have been condemned by various political factions, armed groups, and human rights organizations, who have denounced the continuous targeting of civilians.

A military official, who wished to remain anonymous, stated to Sudan Tribune, “The airstrikes conducted by military aircraft in the city of Nyala yesterday, Friday, successfully destroyed a shipment of supplies delivered by the UAE to the Rapid Support Forces, which included drones, a significant amount of ammunition, advanced missile launchers, and sophisticated communication systems.”

He vehemently denied that the airstrikes were deliberately aimed at civilian populations in the city, which is currently under the complete control of the RSF.

An Emirati aircraft (C-130 Hercules) reportedly delivered military supplies to the RSF at the Yara airstrip, located north of Nyala. A video of the military transport aircraft landing on the makeshift runway has surfaced, but the exact date of the event remains unclear.

In response, Mustafa Mohamed Ibrahim, an advisor to the RSF Commander, who is currently in Nyala, disputed the Sudanese army’s version of events, accusing it of fabricating a narrative to cover up the deliberate targeting of civilians.

“The Sudanese army’s Antonov planes bombarded the Riyadh neighbourhood with explosive barrels, which is a densely populated area where weapons or ammunition could not possibly be stored. Additionally, they targeted the Imam neighbourhood, the Friday market, Khartoum at night, and the Dumayah market, which lies far to the west of Nyala. The RSF does not store its weapons in densely populated areas,” Ibrahim told Sudan Tribune.

He categorically denied that the RSF have received external support from any party. He further stated, “The ammunition and weapons we possess were forcefully seized from the army’s stores.

Since October 26, the RSF has held complete control over South Darfur state, which holds a strategic location bordering the Central African countries and South Sudan.

 (ST)