RSF Claims Drone Downed in South Darfur Amid Renewed Attacks on Nyala

What happened

Radio Dabanga reports that the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) claim to have shot down a Turkish-made Bayraktar Akinci drone over Nyala in South Darfur, marking the fourth consecutive day of bombardments on the city. RSF field commanders released videos purporting to show the wreckage of the drone in the Dama area north of Nyala, with field commander Ali Bahr stating the aircraft was intercepted during ongoing attacks. Radio Dabanga could not independently verify this claim.

The central claim remains unconfirmed in the supplied material and should be treated as hearsay until corroborated by another reliable source or a named official. Residents in Nyala reported fresh drone strikes early Wednesday, with witnesses hearing multiple explosions around 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. though no clear information on the targets or casualties is available. Earlier strikes on Sunday and Monday reportedly hit houses and warehouses in northern Nyala. The RSF leadership narrowly escaped a drone attack on their meeting headquarters shortly after convening. Nyala remains a key area of contestation, serving as the administrative center aligned with the RSF-led Sudan Founding Alliance (Tasees).

In nearby Mellit locality in North Darfur, residents told Radio Dabanga that drone strikes targeted the southwestern and northeastern outskirts of the town on Tuesday. No civilian casualties were reported there. The use of drones in the conflict has raised alarm internationally; the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk recently stated that drone attacks caused at least 880 civilian deaths from January to April, comprising more than 80% of all conflict-related civilian fatalities during that period.

Known from the source

• RSF claimed to have shot down a Turkish-made Bayraktar Akinci military drone over Nyala, South Darfur.
• Nyala has experienced four consecutive days of bombardment, including reported drone strikes hitting houses, warehouses, and military-linked sites.
• RSF leaders survived a drone attack on their meeting headquarters in Nyala.
• Drone strikes also targeted Mellit locality in North Darfur without reported civilian casualties.
• UN High Commissioner for Human Rights stated that from January to April at least 880 civilians died in drone attacks in Sudan, representing over 80% of conflict-related civilian deaths.

What remains unclear

Meanwhile, the RSF announced regaining control of the Mogja area in Blue Nile state after it was seized by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) three weeks prior. RSF commanders posted videos from inside Mogja confirming their control and signaled plans to advance further. Analysts note Mogja’s strategic value as the southern gateway to Ed Damazin and its proximity to the Roseires Dam, Sudan’s largest hydroelectric project. This shift takes place alongside SAF Lieutenant General Yasir El Atta’s visit to troops in Ed Damazin, where he commended recent military progress and readiness.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Independent verification of the drone downed claim and the identification of the drone as a Turkish Bayraktar Akinci. Confirmation of casualty figures and specific targets hit by recent drone strikes in Nyala and Mellit. Current control status of Mogja area and verification of the RSF's strategic intentions.

Evidence note

This story contains report-led claims. The article keeps those claims attributed and treats them as unconfirmed/hearsay unless independently corroborated.

Original source: Radio Dabanga. Open the source.