Reuters: Iran Aids Sudan Army by Sending Drones in War Against 'Rapid Support Forces'

Six Iranian sources, regional officials, and diplomats who requested anonymity told Reuters that the Sudanese army has obtained Iranian-made drones over the past few months. According to the news agency, the Sudanese armed forces had used some older drones in the early months of the civil war but had little success against the paramilitary forces known as 'Rapid Support Forces' based in Khartoum, the capital, and other cities. Reuters reports that five eyewitnesses in northern Khartoum said that in January of this year, nine months after the fighting began, much more effective drones took off from the 'Wadi Sidna' base and began operations in northern Khartoum. Local residents said the drones appear to monitor the movements of the 'Rapid Support Forces', target their positions, and assist artillery attacks in 'Omdurman'. Mohamed Osman in Omdurman stated that in recent weeks, the army has begun using precise drones in military operations, which has forced the 'Rapid Support Forces' to flee from many areas and allowed the army to deploy its forces. Additionally, the U.S. has expressed concern over the shipment of Iranian-made weapons to Sudan. Bloomberg and Sudanese media had previously reported the presence of Iranian drones in the country. A senior Sudanese army source denied the 'direct entry' of drones made by the Islamic Republic from Iran but refrained from stating how they were obtained or the number received by the army. He mentioned that while diplomatic cooperation between Sudan and the Islamic Republic resumed last year, formal military cooperation remains suspended. Meanwhile, Ali Sadiq, the head of Sudan's Foreign Ministry, who visited Iran last year and is aligned with the Sudanese army, responded to a question about Iranian drones by saying that Sudan has not received any weapons from Iran. The Iranian Foreign Ministry also did not respond to Reuters' requests for comment. Meanwhile, the 'Rapid Support Forces' stated that they have suffered defeats in Omdurman. The media office of this group said that the Sudanese army has received Iranian drones and other weapons but did not respond to requests from Reuters for evidence. Iranian and regional sources indicated that Tehran's support for the Sudanese army aims to strengthen relations with this strategic country. Sudan is located on the shores of the Red Sea, a site of competition among countries, including the Islamic Republic. On the other hand, the Houthis in Yemen, who have also been armed by the Islamic Republic, have launched attacks on shipping routes to support Hamas in the war with Israel in Gaza. A Western diplomat, who requested anonymity, questioned what the Islamic Republic receives in return for this assistance to Sudan, noting that they now have a station in the Red Sea and on the African side. Recent territorial gains in Sudan represent the most significant advancements for the country's army since the war began in Khartoum in April of last year. United Nations experts say that the 'Rapid Support Forces' have received support from neighboring African countries, including Chad, Libya, and South Sudan. Flight data from Wim Zwijgenburg of the Dutch peace organization Pax indicates that between December 2023 and January 2024, a Boeing 747-200 cargo plane from 'Fars Air Qeshm' made six trips from Iran to 'Port Sudan', a key Sudanese army base. The number of these flights had not been previously reported. A regional source close to Islamic Republic officials stated that Iranian drones 'Mohajer' and 'Ababil' have been transferred to Sudan several times since late last year via 'Fars Air Qeshm'. These drones are produced by companies operating under the supervision of the Iranian Ministry of Defense. These companies also did not respond promptly to Reuters' requests for comment. In this context, the 'Rapid Support Forces' announced that the Sudanese army receives 'drones and other weapons' from Iran twice a week through cargo plane flights. The 'Rapid Support Forces' claimed without providing evidence to Reuters that their information indicates that Iranian drones 'Mohajer-4', 'Mohajer-6', and 'Ababil' have been sent to 'Port Sudan'. This group stated that they have shot down several drones. The supply of weapons from the Islamic Republic could complicate the Sudanese army's relations with the United States, which is attempting to negotiate between the warring parties. Tom Perillo, the U.S. special envoy for Sudan, stated in an interview on April 11 that fears of increased Iranian influence or extremist Islamic elements in Sudan are among the reasons the U.S. is pushing for a swift peace agreement. A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department also mentioned that the U.S. has seen reports regarding Tehran's support for the Sudanese army and is monitoring the situation.