RSF drone strikes kill dozens at high-level Sudan military meeting

SINJA — Coordinated Rapid Support Forces (RSF) drone strikes killed at least 27 people on Monday in the southeastern city of Sinja, according to regional health officials. The attack targeted the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) 17^th Infantry Division headquarters and a government guest house while a high-level meeting of military-appointed governors and senior army commanders was underway.

Sennar State Health Minister Ibrahim Al-Awad reported that 73 people were wounded in the strikes, which hit fixed military and administrative targets.

The attack took place as governors from White Nile State, Sennar State, and the Blue Nile Region met to discuss border demarcation. Verified video footage later showed significant damage and casualties inside the military command facility.

The government of Sennar State issued a formal statement to residents acknowledging the impact of the raid. The authorities stated that a strategic drone targeted the city and that ground-based air defenses responded with full force.

The statement noted that while the attack resulted in losses and injuries among civilians, the situation in Sinja returned to normal and security forces remained on alert.

“Despite the civilian losses, the situation in Sinja quickly returned to normal. Life in the city is now proceeding in a very normal manner, as if nothing had happened,” the statement seen by Sudans Post reads in part.

The government of White Nile State confirmed the deaths of two officials in a separate mourning statement. It identified the victims as Al-Mahi Hamad Ibrahim from the State Protocol Office and Sergeant Abdelhadi Al-Safi, the Governor’s bodyguard.

The administration described them as martyrs of duty who were killed while accompanying the governor during the official meeting.

“With deep sorrow and profound grief… we mourn before Almighty God the martyrs of duty: Al-Mahi Hamad Ibrahim (State Protocol Office) and Sergeant Abdelhadi Al-Safi (the Governor’s bodyguard), who were martyred today in the city of Sinja while carrying out their duties, as a result of an attack by a drone belonging to the rebel militia,” the statement said.

To address online reports regarding the alleged killing of the governor, the government of the Blue Nile Region released a statement reassuring citizens that the Governor is safe and in good health.

The regional government categorically denied rumors of his injury or death and warned against misinformation campaigns being circulated by the RSF militia following the explosion at the guest house.

“The Government of the Blue Nile Region reassures dear citizens that the Governor of the Blue Nile Region… is safe and in good health. There is absolutely no truth to the rumors and false claims being circulated by the Rapid Support militia,”

The Sudan Doctors Network issued a statement condemning the use of guided munitions in the attack and reported additional civilian fatalities. The network stated that ten people were killed by a missile fired from an RSF drone at several locations in Sinja.

They described the incident as a grave violation against civilians that adds to a long list of crimes committed during the conflict.

“Ten people were killed by a guided missile fired from a Rapid Support Forces drone at several locations in Sinja… This latest crime adds to the long list of grave violations against civilians,” the statement said.

The strike triggered panic in Sinja and overwhelmed local medical facilities, leading the state government to issue an urgent appeal for blood donations. Sinja Teaching Hospital reportedly operated at full capacity as volunteers and doctors struggled to cope with the influx of wounded.

The raid was followed on Tuesday by another drone attack on army headquarters in Kosti, suggesting an expanded aerial campaign.