Sudan reports 18 drone strikes on power grid in one week

Eighteen drone strikes have targeted Sudan's electricity network in the past week, according to reports from Monday. The attacks caused widespread power outages across parts of the country, marking the latest phase in a concentrated campaign against the nation's energy infrastructure.

Sudan's military government claims that Ethiopia is aiding the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, or RSF, in carrying out these strikes. The two groups have been fighting since April 2023. Local media reported that facilities in New Halfa and Aroma in eastern Kassala state were hit early Monday. The al-Ghazali substation in Northern State was also targeted.

Videos circulating on social media showed fires at the sites, with civil defence teams attempting to extinguish the flames. Al Jazeera could not immediately verify the footage or the reports. On Sunday, the Sudanese government filed complaints against Ethiopia with the United Nations Security Council and the African Union's Peace and Security Council. The accusations allege Addis Ababa's involvement in the campaign against civilian infrastructure.

The Sudanese army also announced on Monday that a group of RSF members defected by surrendering to government forces in Damazin, the capital of southeastern Blue Nile state. This development follows a video declaration by senior RSF commander Siddiq Ander, who stated he had defected. The footage was obtained exclusively by Al Jazeera.

In a statement, the army described the surrender as the latest in a series of defections from the paramilitary group in Blue Nile state. The military added that the group's commander provided information regarding the management of military operations in Damazin, specifically citing Ethiopian support for the RSF.