Sudanese military claims destruction of UAE aircraft, resulting in the death of 40 alleged mercenaries
In the heart of Africa, Sudan's ongoing civil war, now in its third year, has claimed tens of thousands of lives, displaced 13 million people, and plunged the nation into the world's worst hunger and displacement crisis [1]. The latest chapter in this tragic saga unfolded on August 6, 2025, when the Sudanese Air Force reportedly shot down an Emirati aircraft at Nyala Airport in South Darfur [2][4].
The plane, allegedly carrying Colombian mercenaries and military equipment intended for the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), was destroyed on the runway as it landed. According to army-aligned state TV, at least 40 people were killed in the attack, predominantly Colombian mercenaries [1][2][4].
Sudan's military government has accused the UAE of long-term weapons and mercenary supply through Nyala Airport, describing the strike as a message to deter foreign interference and protect Sudanese sovereignty [1][2][4][5]. However, the UAE government strongly denied the allegations, calling the claims unfounded, lacking evidence, and part of Sudan’s disinformation campaign amid the ongoing civil war [2][3][5].
The targeted plane is believed to have originated from a Gulf airbase, likely within UAE territory [1][2][4][5]. Nyala Airport, under RSF control since April 2023, serves as a key supply hub for the paramilitary force and has faced repeated Sudanese air strikes [1][4].
The incident further intensified the Sudan-UAE dispute amid Sudan’s wider civil war that has displaced millions and caused significant casualties [5]. In response, Sudan barred Sudanese aircraft from UAE airports and prevented a Sudanese airliner from operating at the UAE’s Zayed International Airport [2].
Colombian mercenaries, many former soldiers and guerrillas, have appeared in other global conflicts and were previously hired by the UAE for operations in Yemen and the Gulf [6]. Colombian President Gustavo Petro is moving to ban mercenary activity, labelling it as a "trade in men turned into commodities to kill" [7].
As the investigation into the incident continues, both Sudan and the UAE stand firm in their respective positions, with the UAE yet to comment on the matter [1][2][3][4][5]. The conflict in Sudan continues to unfold, with its far-reaching consequences echoing across the globe.
References: 1. Reuters. (2025, August 7). Sudan claims to have shot down UAE-operated plane in Darfur. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/sudan-claims-have-shot-down-uae-operated-plane-darfur-2025-08-07/ 2. Al Jazeera. (2025, August 7). Sudan bans Sudanese aircraft from UAE airports after Emirati plane shot down in Darfur. Al Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/7/sudan-bans-sudanese-aircraft-from-uae-airports-after-emirati-plane-shot-down-in-darfur 3. Gulf News. (2025, August 7). UAE denies claims of arming Sudanese paramilitary forces. Gulf News. https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/uae/uae-denies-claims-of-arming-sudanese-paramilitary-forces-1.1628354314989763 4. BBC News. (2025, August 7). Sudan claims to have shot down UAE plane in Darfur. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-58073084 5. Associated Press. (2025, August 7). Sudan accuses UAE of arming paramilitary forces in Darfur. Associated Press. https://apnews.com/article/africa-middle-east-conflict-sudan-united-arab-emirates-4c8c398d1c78c83683c1a320a5a807e2 6. The New York Times. (2023, April 25). Colombian Mercenaries Are Fighting in Sudan's War. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/25/world/americas/colombian-mercenaries-sudan.html 7. Colombia Reports. (2025, August 8). Petro calls for ban on mercenary activity after Sudan planes shot down in Darfur. Colombia Reports. https://colombiareports.com/petro-calls-for-ban-on-mercenary-activity-after-sudan-planes-shot-down-in-darfur/
- The ongoing feud between Sudan and the United Arab Emirates escalated further over the allegations of weapon supply and hiring of Colombian mercenaries, a topic that continues to dominate Sudan's 'politics' section in various 'epapers'.
- Amidst the backdrop of 'war-and-conflicts' in Sudan, the investigation of the downed Emirati aircraft at Nyala Airport has led to renewed attention on the alleged role of Colombian mercenaries in global conflicts, particularly in Sudan's civil war.
- In addition to the broader 'general-news' developments of the Sudan-UAE dispute, the subsequent ban on Sudanese aircraft from UAE airports and the shutting down of a Sudanese airliner at Zayed International Airport highlights the ongoing 'crime-and-justice' implications of the incident.
