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Khartoum Airport Drone Attack: 5 Suicide Drones Target Key Hub Amid Reopening

Khartoum International Airport faced another security threat with five suicide drones targeting the facility. This attack comes at a critical moment as authorities planned to resume domestic flights after months of closure. Anti-aircraft systems managed to intercept the drones, preventing major damage but causing minor injuries to airport staff. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges in restoring normalcy to Sudan's aviation sector amid continuing conflict.

Key Points: Drone Attack Hits Khartoum Airport Before Domestic Flights Resume

  • Five suicide drones targeted airport facilities just before domestic flights restart
  • Anti-aircraft systems successfully intercepted all incoming drone threats
  • Several maintenance workers and civil defense officer sustained minor injuries
  • Airport rehabilitation efforts continue despite ongoing conflict disruptions
2 min read

Drone attacks strike Khartoum international airport

Suicide drones strike Khartoum International Airport one day before planned domestic flight resumption. Anti-aircraft systems intercept drones as conflict continues to disrupt Sudan's aviation.

"Khartoum Airport was targeted by five suicide drones at dawn today - Military Source to Xinhua"

Khartoum, Oct 21

The Khartoum International Airport and several areas of the Sudanese capital were attacked by drones early Tuesday morning, just one day before the airport was set to resume domestic flights.

"Khartoum Airport was targeted by five suicide drones at dawn today," a military source told Xinhua news agency. "Ground-based anti-aircraft systems intercepted and shot down the drones, and limited losses were recorded," said the source, who requested anonymity.

Another source at the airport said several maintenance workers and a civil defence officer sustained minor injuries in the attack.

Local residents reported hearing explosions across various neighborhoods in the capital. "We heard the sounds of about 11 drones, followed by successive explosions," said an eyewitness from the East Nile area.

No official statements have been released so far.

On Monday, the Sudanese Civil Aviation Authority announced that Khartoum International Airport would resume domestic flights starting Wednesday.

The airport sustained heavy damage during the ongoing conflict, having been among the first sites attacked by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) at the outbreak of the war on April 15, 2023.

Authorities have since worked to rehabilitate the airport after the army regained full control of Khartoum State in May.

An announcement is expected soon regarding the reopening of the airspace between eastern Sudan and Khartoum, which has remained closed since the conflict began.

Port Sudan International Airport, in the country's east, remains the only operational hub for international flights, while some local airports continue to operate on a limited basis.

Sudan remains locked in a devastating conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which errupted in April 2023. The war has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions, plunging the country deeper into humanitarian crisis.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
As an Indian who has traveled through Khartoum airport before the conflict, this news hits hard. Airports should be safe zones for civilians. The international community needs to do more to protect critical infrastructure.
A
Arjun K
The drone technology being used in these conflicts is concerning. While our anti-aircraft systems are getting better at interception, we need stronger international regulations on drone warfare. This affects global aviation security too.
S
Sarah B
I appreciate that the article mentions the humanitarian crisis aspect. Sometimes we focus too much on the military aspects and forget about the millions displaced. India should consider increasing humanitarian aid to Sudan.
V
Vikram M
The timing right before domestic flights resume shows this was a calculated move to disrupt peace efforts. Both sides need to come to the negotiating table. Continuous conflict only hurts ordinary citizens.
M
Michael C
While I understand the need for security, I wish the article had more details about who's behind these attacks. The lack of official statements makes it difficult to understand the full picture. More transparency would help.
A
Ananya R
This reminds me how fortunate we are to have relative peace in India. We should never take our infrastructure security for granted. Jai Hind 🇮🇳 and prayers for Sudan's recovery.

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