CAIRO, November 7, 2025 – The Sudanese army successfully intercepted drones launched by the rival paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF) targeting two key cities in Sudan’s northeast, a military official confirmed on Friday.

According to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, 15 drones targeted Atbara, a city north of the capital in River Nile province. While local residents reported hearing explosions, the army confirmed that no casualties occurred. A smaller-scale drone attack was also intercepted targeting Omdurman, the sister city of Khartoum, Sudan’s capital.

RSF Drone Strikes Amid Truce Negotiations

The drone attacks follow the RSF’s announcement that it has agreed to a humanitarian truce proposed by a U.S.-led mediator group known as the Quad. Sudan’s military has welcomed the proposal but emphasized that it will only accept a truce when the RSF fully withdraws from civilian areas and surrenders its weapons, in line with previous peace agreements.

The ongoing conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese military erupted in 2023 when tensions flared between the two former allies, who were tasked with overseeing a democratic transition after Sudan’s 2019 uprising. The fighting has left at least 40,000 people dead, according to the World Health Organization, and displaced approximately 12 million, though humanitarian organizations warn the true toll may be significantly higher.

The World Food Program reports that over 24 million Sudanese face acute food insecurity, compounding the humanitarian crisis.

Proposed Truce and Political Process

The U.S.-led peace initiative proposes a three-month humanitarian truce, followed by a nine-month political process aimed at ending the conflict, according to Massad Boulos, a U.S. adviser for African affairs.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Human Rights Council announced an emergency special session on Sudan scheduled for November 14. The session, called for by Britain, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Norway, aims to address recent violence against civilians, particularly in Darfur’s el-Fasher city, which has seen continued bloodshed.

Humanitarian Crisis in Darfur

The RSF seized el-Fasher more than a week ago after the city had been under siege for over 18 months. UNICEF reports that over 81,000 people have been displaced since October 26, with urgent needs for shelter, food, clean water, and medical care.

The UN children’s agency also identified more than 850 children with acute malnutrition who are now receiving treatment. Violence, sexual assaults, and looting of health facilities remain widespread across North Darfur, disproportionately affecting women and children.

Outlook

While the truce talks offer a potential path toward easing the humanitarian crisis, ongoing clashes and drone attacks by the RSF underscore the fragility of the ceasefire and the continuing dangers faced by civilians. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the urgent need for both parties to commit to peace and humanitarian access.