3 months Ago
The attack on Juron was the second in airport strikes carried out by armed groups after an aerial bombardment targeted Port Sudan airport from an unknown source on Wednesday, without causing any casualties. A military source also confirmed that the strike came from Juron airport located in RSF positions engaged in a fray with the Sudanese army since April 2023. An official response from the RSF itself or its backers, the United Arab Emirates, to this latest event is still pending, while there has been no corroboration for other allegations of Colombian mercenaries serving with the RSF beforehand.
Accusations Involving the UAE and Colombian Fighters
Although the airport did not confirm whether military aircraft transported unmanned planes to Sudan, and they are supporting this type of weapons support the RSF, so far, the Sudanese army has many times accused the UAE of providing the RSF with drones and weapons through Nyala Airport. While Abu Dhabi has denied any such involvement, multiple reports by UN experts and US officials have suggested that foreign powers could be behind the unrest.
The day after the attack, Colombian President Gustavo Petro said his government is looking into whether any of those killed were of Colombian nationality. He said work was underway to establish the identity of victims and repatriate their bodies. Online, the minister has also spoken out about the deaths of Colombians in wars abroad, labelling it "killing by human exports" and saying he will make fighting as a mercenary an illegal activity.
The Civil War in Sudan Goes To Hell
The RSF and Sudanese army have been fighting each other since April 2023 in a situation of open conflict. Heavy fighting has raged in the region, and it is reeling from growing instability. Allegations of outside intervention and the employment of mercenaries have brought another dimension to the conflict, prompting fears in neighbouring states and among external powers about further escalation.
The downing of the plane is one of the biggest strikes in recent months and shows that fighting between rival groups continues unabated, and a peaceful settlement remains distant.
