Sudan accuses Ethiopia and the UAE of orchestrating a drone attack on Khartoum International Airport on May 5, 2026, escalating regional tensions. The Sudanese military reported that a drone launched by its paramilitary forces targeted the airport but was intercepted by air defenses before it could strike.
Sudan’s government claims both Ethiopia and the UAE are responsible for this incident. The accusations come amid ongoing conflict in Sudan, which has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced around 13 million people since April 2023.
The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the drone attack, labeling it a violation of Sudan’s sovereignty. It emphasized that Khartoum airport is a civilian facility and targeting it breaches international law.
Following the allegations, Sudan recalled its ambassador to Ethiopia. Sudanese officials assert that four drone strikes have been linked to Ethiopian involvement since March 1.
Mohieddin Salem, a Sudanese official, stated, “It has been conclusively proven that the attack originated from Ethiopia, a country that is supposed to be a sister nation.” He reiterated that targeting civilian infrastructure is strictly prohibited under international law.
The situation remains precarious as regional powers assess their next moves. No timeline has been provided for potential diplomatic resolutions or further military actions.