Sudan's paramilitary shoots down cargo jet in Darfur

Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have taken responsibility for downing a cargo jet in the Malha region of Darfur, sparking an international investigation by Russian diplomats.

The RSF stated the aircraft, allegedly a foreign warplane aiding Sudan’s military, was destroyed by a surface-to-air missile.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions between the RSF and the Sudanese army, who have been in conflict since April 2023.

Amid claims that the plane was dropping bombs on civilians, video evidence surfaced showing RSF fighters celebrating with documents linked to the crash.

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International attention has turned to whether the downed jet, identified as an Ilyushin Il-76 from Kyrgyzstan, was involved in arms transfers to the RSF. Reports suggest the United Arab Emirates had facilitated such efforts through Chad, despite the UAE’s denials.

While investigations continue, this event underscores the broader challenges in Darfur, where over 24,000 lives have already been lost in the conflict.

Despite the escalating violence, diplomatic efforts continue, with Russia now probing the jet’s involvement and potential Russian casualties aboard.