Yale Analysis confirms aircraft destruction at Nyala Airport

SOUTH DARFUR – The Yale School of Public Health’s Humanitarian Research Lab (HRL) has confirmed the destruction of an aircraft at Nyala International Airport, which had been under the control of Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The attack, which occurred on May 2, 2025, was reportedly carried out by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and has been followed by a wave of retaliatory drone strikes by the RSF on Port Sudan.

Satellite imagery from May 5 and 6 analysed by HRL revealed clear signs of destruction at the airport’s apron, including a large burn scar measuring approximately 50 meters in diameter and scattered aircraft vehicles were also observed near the blast site.

In a statement accompanying the satellite assessment, HRL said, “The destruction at Nyala airport is clearly visible through thermal scarring and debris scatter, pointing to a significant explosion.” The lab added, “Imagery confirms the attack site and supports claims that SAF targeted the airstrip, likely using a drone.”

The incident followed the reported landing of a cargo plane at Nyala the night before. Local media outlets have suggested the SAF aimed to prevent the potential offloading of weapons or supplies to RSF forces.

Following the strike, reports emerged of widespread arrests by RSF-affiliated personnel in Nyala, allegedly targeting local police, soldiers, and civilians in a sweeping crackdown.

Since September 21, 2024, Nyala Airport has resumed limited operations under RSF control, making it a significant logistical and strategic asset in the ongoing conflict. Its targeting marks a major reescalation in the SAF-RSF war and appears to have provoked a retaliatory campaign.

In the days following the Nyala strike, Port Sudan was subjected to a series of drone attacks targeting critical infrastructure.

Strikes were recorded on the international airport—the only functioning airport in the country after the destruction of Khartoum’s airport—as well as on fuel depots, the Port Sudan harbour, and the military base Flamingo. A high-profile strike also hit the Coral Marina Hotel, damaging part of the structure and causing panic in the city.

The Sudanese de facto government in Port Sudan has blamed the RSF for these attacks, linking them to the recent escalation triggered by the events in Nyala.

Analysts noted that the RSF has increasingly relied on unmanned aerial vehicles in recent months, using drone-based munitions to strike high-value targets across the country. These capabilities have added a new dimension to the conflict, heightening risks to both civilian and military infrastructure.

Despite the RSF’s public denial of involvement in Port Sudan strikes, the timing and target selection strongly suggest retaliation for the SAF strike on Nyala airport. The confirmation marks a dangerous shift, like the war, with both sides escalating drone warfare.

sudanspost.com