RSF CLAIMS SECOND DRONE SHOOT-DOWN IN WEST KORDOFAN AMID ESCALATING CONFLICT.
BY NJOKI KARANJA
KHARTOUM, Sept 11, 2025.
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announced on Thursday that its air defense units had downed a Turkish-made Bayraktar Akıncı drone in the Khawi area of West Kordofan. The group said the drone was targeting civilian areas in Darfur and Kordofan, marking the second such incident within a week.
In a strongly worded statement, the RSF accused the Sudanese army — which it described as controlled by the “Islamic Movement militias” — of deliberately striking residential neighborhoods, markets, and vital facilities, including hospitals. The group said these actions amounted to “clear violations of international law” and reflected “racist and sectarian policies targeting unarmed civilians.”
“Our forces are fully prepared to repel any aerial aggression or infiltration attempts,” the RSF said, vowing to neutralize the army’s military capabilities and “strike with an iron fist” against any further attacks.
The statement also warned that repeated assaults on towns and villages were part of a broader strategy to destabilize Darfur and Kordofan. The RSF pledged to continue defending Sudanese civilians and ensuring the safety of communities across the country.
“Mercy and forgiveness to our martyrs,” the statement concluded, framing its campaign as part of the “battle for democracy” and the protection of Sudan’s revolution.
The announcement comes as the war in Sudan — now in its third year — continues to devastate civilian populations, with both the RSF and the army trading accusations of targeting non-combatants. Human rights organizations have repeatedly expressed alarm over mounting civilian casualties and the destruction of critical infrastructure.
