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Sudan war fueled by transnational drone networks and foreign fighters, UN report finds
A United Nations investigation has revealed that transnational networks are fueling the civil war in Sudan by providing weapons, military technology, and foreign fighters to both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The report highlights a significant surge in drone warfare, noting that drone-related deaths increased by 600 percent in a single year. In the first five months of 2026, drone strikes killed over 1,000 people. Investigators identified a network involving entities in the United Arab Emirates, Chad, Libya, and Somalia that has supported the RSF with logistics, training, and equipment.
A particularly striking finding involves the use of foreign personnel; the UN estimates that up to 2,000 former Colombian military contractors have been deployed to operate and maintain advanced drone systems and weaponry for the RSF in regions like Darfur and Kordofan.
In response to the escalating crisis, U.S. officials are urging the UN Security Council to implement a nationwide arms embargo on Sudan to curb the influx of military supplies. Meanwhile, humanitarian efforts face increasing danger, with reports of attacks on World Food Programme convoys depriving thousands of essential aid.
Entities
Rapid Support Forces · Sudan · Sudanese Armed Forces · UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan · United Arab Emirates · United Nations
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Up to 2,000 former Colombian military contractors are operating drones and advanced weapons for the RSF. congodefense.com · www.hiiraan.com · wardheernews.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have used foreign-supplied drones in operations that harmed civilians. sri.org.pk
- [● 2 SOURCES] Drone-related deaths increased by 600 percent in a single year. www.emirates247.com · www.eyeradio.org
- [● 2 SOURCES] Drone strikes killed more than 1,000 people in the first five months of 2026. www.hiiraan.com · www.emirates247.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Networks involving the UAE, Chad, Libya, and Somalia have supplied the RSF with logistics and equipment. www.hiiraan.com · wardheernews.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] An airstrike on August 30 destroyed WFP trucks carrying 50 tonnes of food near Dilling. thesudantimes.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The United States is calling for a nationwide arms embargo on Sudan via the UN Security Council. www.eyeradio.org
- [● 4 SOURCES] Transnational networks are supplying weapons, technology, and fighters to warring parties in Sudan. congodefense.com · www.hiiraan.com · sri.org.pk · wardheernews.com