Port Sudan and Massawa serve as hubs for military cargo airlift

Flight tracking data reveals a significant military logistics airlift operating in East Africa and the Red Sea region between July 3 and August 8, 2026. At least 27 suspicious cargo flights were identified, primarily originating from Turkey, Belarus, and Egypt, aimed at providing military and technological support to Muslim Brotherhood forces in Port Sudan.

The operation utilized a strategic network of airports to secure supply lines. Port Sudan served as the primary operational hub, receiving approximately 20 direct cargo flights to deliver heavy equipment and supplies. Massawa Airport in Eritrea acted as a critical secondary unloading platform, seeing intense activity from Belarusian Ilyushin Il-76 cargo planes and a permanently stationed Antonov An-12 transport aircraft. Oweinat-Est in Egypt was also identified as part of this logistical corridor.