Drone assault on Russian base escalates Sudan conflict
The Russian naval base Flamingo in Port Sudan was attacked by drones between 4th and 7th May. This attack is part of the ongoing conflict between Sudanese government forces and RSF rebels.
Key information
- Drones attacked the Russian naval base Flamingo in Port Sudan.
- The attack occurred between 4th and 7th May and targeted other strategic facilities.
- The conflict in Sudan has been ongoing since April 2023, causing massive casualties among the civilian population.
Between 4th and 7th May, the Russian naval base Flamingo in Port Sudan became the target of drone attacks. Satellite image analysis conducted by the Centre for Information Resilience (CIR) confirmed significant damage to the base. These attacks are part of a broader conflict in Sudan, where Sudanese government forces are fighting rebels from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The drones hit the Flamingo base and other strategic locations, such as the Osman Digna airbase, fuel depots, and a power plant. Satellite images show destroyed hangars and an Il-76 aircraft. CIR also identified fragments of ammunition that might have been used during the attack.
According to CIR, the attacks might have been carried out using a Chinese guided bomb or a Russian surface-to-air missile. The Sudanese army accused the RSF of these actions, but the RSF did not claim responsibility for the attacks. The conflict between the Sudanese military and the RSF has been ongoing since April 2023. Estimates indicate that the conflict has led to the death of at least 130,000 civilians. The final toll might be significantly higher.
History of the Flamingo base
The Flamingo naval base was established in the 1960s. In 2017, it caught Russia's interest, and Russia signed an agreement to use it. However, the contract was not ratified due to the unstable political situation in Sudan. In December 2024, Sudan withdrew from the agreement with Russia, fearing reactions from the USA and other Western countries.
The conflict in Sudan continues, and its effects are catastrophic for the civilian population. Over 15 million Sudanese have been displaced. The situation in the region remains tense, and the entire region's future is uncertain.
