Sudan army says it shot down RSF drones near Khartoum

Sudan's army said it shot down drones belonging to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces on Thursday after explosions were heard over the capital Khartoum.

“Our air defences engaged and shot down all of the militia's drones that attempted to target areas in northern Omdurman,” a military source told AFP. “None of them achieved their objectives.”

An AFP correspondent in Khartoum heard anti-aircraft fire followed by five explosions early Thursday morning.

Northern Omdurman is near Khartoum and is home to a large military zone.

Last month, the RSF targeted Khartoum with drones over two consecutive days in attacks intercepted by the army.

Sudan's war between the army and the RSF began in April 2023. It has killed tens of thousands of people and triggered what AFP described as the world's largest hunger and displacement crises.

Despite repeated attacks, Khartoum has seen a gradual return to normal life in recent months. About 2.3 million displaced people have returned to the capital, reconstruction efforts have begun and market activity has resumed.