Satellite imagery and flight logs have exposed a clandestine Egyptian military operation launching drone and fighter jet strikes against Rapid Support Forces in Sudan. This direct intervention marks a pivotal escalation in the civil war as Cairo moves to protect its “red line” following the siege of El-Fasher.
A Shadow War from the Western Desert
Egypt is utilizing a secretive airbase tucked away within a vast agricultural development in its western desert to conduct air strikes on paramilitary targets in neighboring Sudan. This revelation comes from a blend of satellite analysis, flight tracking data and leaked video footage recently verified by major international outlets including the New York Times. The evidence suggests these combat operations have been active for at least six months.
Cairo has shifted from diplomatic pressure to direct kinetic action.
The facility serves as a launchpad for armed drones and fighter jets specifically targeting supply lines and troop concentrations of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). While the Egyptian government has officially maintained a stance of calling for peace, these operations highlight a desperate effort to prop up the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). The army has suffered significant territorial losses over the past year.
Military aviation experts have pointed to the presence of Egyptian MiG-29 Fulcrum jets in the region. These aircraft are capable of precision strikes and have been spotted in videos geolocated to the border region. The use of a disguised base within a civilian agricultural project allows the Egyptian Air Force to operate with a degree of plausible deniability while projecting power deep into Sudanese territory.
This covert campaign signals that Egypt views the potential collapse of the Sudanese state not just as a foreign policy issue but as an existential domestic security threat.
El-Fasher Becomes the Red Line
The catalyst for this intensified military involvement appears to be the deteriorating situation in El-Fasher. As the capital of North Darfur and the last major stronghold of the Sudanese army in the western region, the city is strategically vital. Reports indicate that the RSF has encircled the city and subjected it to months of brutal shelling.
President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi previously declared the security of major Sudanese cities a “red line” for Egypt.
Intelligence officials suggest that the potential fall of El-Fasher triggered the activation of the western desert base. The capture of the city by the RSF would effectively hand the paramilitaries control over the entire western half of Sudan. This would create a breakaway state scenario that Cairo finds unacceptable.
The humanitarian toll in El-Fasher has been catastrophic. Local medical sources report that hospitals have been deliberately targeted and thousands of civilians have been killed or wounded in the crossfire. The Egyptian airstrikes aim to sever the RSF supply convoys that are fueling this siege. By bombing these logistical routes, Cairo hopes to relieve pressure on the trapped SAF divisions inside the city.
“The fall of El-Fasher would be a geopolitical nightmare for Egypt. It opens the door to a fractured Sudan and long-term instability on their southern border.”
A Web of Regional Rivalries
The conflict in Sudan has mutated into a complex proxy war involving powerful regional players. While Egypt throws its weight behind the army led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, other nations are fueling the opposition. This internationalization of the conflict makes a ceasefire increasingly difficult to achieve.
The RSF is widely reported to receive substantial logistical and material support from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Flight records have tracked cargo planes moving from the UAE to locations in Chad and Libya. These shipments reportedly contain weapons and ammunition that eventually reach RSF fighters on the front lines.
Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar plays a crucial role in this supply chain.
Haftar controls eastern Libya and the key airbase of al-Kufra. Intelligence indicates this base acts as a transit point for supplies heading to the RSF. Egypt has exerted significant diplomatic pressure on Haftar to cease this support. These efforts have so far yielded little success. This puts Egypt in the awkward position of being at odds with its traditional ally Haftar regarding the Sudan file.
The involvement of Turkey adds another layer to the dynamic. Ankara has recently aligned closer with Cairo and the Sudanese army. There are reports of Turkish combat drones being supplied to the SAF to counter the tech advantage of the RSF.
Foreign Support Overview:
| Regional Power | Primary Ally in Sudan | Type of Support Provided |
|---|---|---|
| Egypt | Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) | Air strikes, intelligence, diplomatic cover |
| Turkey | Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) | Combat drones, military hardware |
| UAE | Rapid Support Forces (RSF) | Financial aid, logistics, alleged arms shipments |
| Libya (Haftar) | Rapid Support Forces (RSF) | Transit hubs, fuel supplies, cross-border access |
Civilians Caught in the Crossfire
While drones and jets duel in the sky, the people of Sudan continue to suffer the world’s worst displacement crisis. The escalation of air strikes introduces a new danger to an already devastated population. Precision munitions do not always land where intended.
Aid organizations warn that the intensification of aerial warfare restricts the movement of humanitarian convoys. The UN has declared a famine in parts of Darfur. Millions are at risk of starvation if food aid cannot cross the borders safely. The bombing of convoys near the border complicates these relief efforts.
The war has displaced over 10 million people since it began in April 2023.
Families fleeing the violence in El-Fasher now face a harrowing journey through the desert. They must navigate RSF checkpoints on the ground and the threat of air strikes from above. The international community has largely failed to broker a lasting truce. The entry of direct Egyptian air power suggests the conflict is entering a bloodier phase rather than winding down.
This shadow war threatens to spill over into neighboring countries. Chad and Libya are already feeling the strain of refugees and armed groups moving across porous borders. The longer the fighting continues, the higher the risk of a total regional destabilization.
The revelation of Egypt’s secret airbase removes the veil of neutrality. It confirms that the battle for Sudan is no longer just a civil war. It is a battle for regional dominance where the Sudanese people are paying the ultimate price.
What started as a power struggle between two generals has evolved into a multinational conflict. With Egypt now actively bombing from the skies and other powers funneling weapons on the ground, the path to peace looks more elusive than ever. The international community must act urgently to stop the flow of weapons before Sudan fractures permanently.
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