Colombian Mercenaries on Board? 40 Deaths in Sudan Aircraft Strike
Sudan Conflict: Dozens of Mercenaries Reportedly Killed in aircraft Destruction
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In Sudan, the brutal conflict between the army and the Rapid Support forces (RSF) continues, with reports emerging of foreign mercenaries involved on the RSF side. A recent incident involving the destruction of an aircraft has reportedly resulted in the deaths of dozens, including Colombian nationals.
Aircraft Destroyed, Mercenaries killed
At least 40 individuals are believed to have been killed in the destruction of an aircraft originating from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by the Sudanese Air Force. According to Sudanese state television, the aircraft was carrying Colombian mercenaries. Colombian President Gustavo Petro has stated his government is working to ascertain the number of Colombian citizens among the deceased and plans to repatriate their remains.A military representative, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the aircraft was “bombarded and completely destroyed” at Nyala Airport in the Darfur region. The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have conducted repeated airstrikes on the airport as part of their ongoing conflict with the RSF, which began in April 2023. As of yet, neither the SAF, the RSF, nor the UAE have issued official statements regarding the incident.
power Struggle and Regional Control
The conflict pits the army,led by General Fattah al-Burhan,against the RSF militia,formerly under the command of his deputy,Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. The north and east of Sudan are largely under the control of the SAF, while the RSF dominates large areas of the south and nearly all of the Darfur region in the west.
Accusations of UAE Support and Mercenary Involvement
The Sudanese army has accused the UAE of supplying the RSF with advanced weaponry, including drones, through Nyala Airport. Abu Dhabi denies these allegations, despite corroborating reports from UN experts, US politicians, and international organizations.
On Monday, the Sudanese government further accused the UAE of recruiting and financing Colombian mercenaries to fight alongside the RSF, claiming to possess documented evidence of these activities. President Petro has condemned mercenary activity as a form of “human trafficking,” describing individuals as being treated as “deadly goods.”
Reports of colombian fighters in Darfur surfaced in late 2024, confirmed by UN experts. This week, sources aligned with the army in Darfur reported that the RSF is being supported by over 80 Colombian mercenaries in their siege of al-Fashir.
Al-Fashir Under Siege
Al-Fashir, the last major city in the Darfur region still under SAF control, has been under siege by RSF forces since May 2024. The city’s residents are facing a complete blockade, with no access to humanitarian aid. The escalating violence and the involvement of foreign mercenaries raise serious concerns about the trajectory of the conflict and its devastating impact on the Sudanese population.