Drone Strikes Target RSF Positions In Nyala After Cargo Flight

Nyala, August 24, 2026 - Suspected Sudanese army drones struck Rapid Support Forces positions in Nyala, highlighting the strategic importance of the South Darfur capital as an RSF military and political hub.

The dawn strikes hit the al-Riyadh neighbourhood, areas around Nyala airport and the University of Nyala campus, triggering heavy explosions across the city. The attack followed the late-night landing of a large cargo aircraft at Nyala airport, which departed a few hours later.

The RSF seized full control of Nyala in October 2023 and later made the city a political headquarters for its allied Tasis coalition administration. The group reopened Nyala airport in September 2024, and the facility has since been linked to near-daily flights from bases in Chad, Libya and Somaliland, with allegations of United Arab Emirates oversight.

Sudan's armed forces have periodically bombarded the airfield in attempts to disable the runway and disrupt RSF supply lines. After the latest strikes, RSF fighters tightened security and carried out arrest campaigns targeting civilians accused of espionage or providing intelligence to the army.

Control of Nyala and its airport remains central to the war economy in Darfur, affecting supply corridors, external support channels and the balance of power between Sudan's rival armed factions.