Army spokesperson Asim Awad Abdelwahab has claimed UAVs targeted key sites across the capital

Sudan has accused Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates of being behind a recent drone attack on Khartoum International Airport, according to statements by armed forces spokesperson Brigadier General Asim Awad Abdelwahab on Tuesday.

The Sudanese authorities reported that multiple airstrikes on Monday hit key sites across the capital, including the main airport, nearby residential neighborhoods, and several strategic military positions such as the al-Markhiyat training facility in Omdurman and the Signal Corps base in Khartoum North, before being driven back by air defense systems.

Sudan descended into civil war in April 2023 following a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Data from the UN indicates that nearly 12 million people have been displaced by the conflict.

"We formally announce the involvement of the UAE and Ethiopia in the bombing of Khartoum airport," officials said, as quoted by the Sudan Tribune, adding that Sudan could respond whenever and wherever it deems appropriate.

Speaking at a joint briefing, Sudanese Foreign Minister Mohieddin Salem and military spokesperson Abdelwahab said they possess what they described as "conclusive evidence" that the drones originated from Bahir Dar airport in Ethiopia, while also presenting technical data claiming that a UAV marked S88 and allegedly linked to the UAE was tracked crossing into Sudanese airspace from Ethiopian territory.

They alleged that the same type of drone had previously launched repeated strikes against Sudanese forces in Al-Kormuk and other territories of Blue Nile State, in addition to operations across North and South Kordofan, before it was ultimately shot down north of El Obeid on March 17. However, Ethiopian officials rejected the accusations at the time.

In response to the developments, Salem had ordered the recall of the country's ambassador to Ethiopia for consultations.

On Tuesday, Ethiopia's Foreign Ministry dismissed the accusations as "baseless," asserting that Addis Ababa remains committed to its longstanding ties with Sudan and reiterating calls for dialogue, a humanitarian truce, and a broader political process to resolve the crisis.

The UAE has not yet publicly commented on the allegations.

(RT.com)