Story perspectives

Drone Strikes Target Khartoum Airport Amid Ongoing Conflict

10/23/2025

Summary

Story summary

On October 21, 2025, drone attacks hit Khartoum International Airport ahead of its scheduled domestic-flight reopening after more than two years.
Witnesses heard explosions and saw drones.
The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) said drones were intercepted, and some hit targets, injuring airport staff.
The attack was the third drone strike in a week amid fighting between SAF and the Rapid Support Forces, killing tens of thousands and displacing millions.

History

Historical Context

The Sudanese Civil War, escalating since 2019, has roots in earlier conflicts, notably the War in Darfur beginning in 2003, which resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths and widespread displacement. The ongoing violence between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has led to over 300,000 deaths and millions displaced, threatening regional stability and humanitarian efforts amid recent attacks on key infrastructure like Khartoum International Airport.

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Story summary

On October 21, 2025, drone attacks hit Khartoum International Airport ahead of its scheduled domestic-flight reopening after more than two years.
Witnesses heard explosions and saw drones.
The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) said drones were intercepted, and some hit targets, injuring airport staff.
The attack was the third drone strike in a week amid fighting between SAF and the Rapid Support Forces, killing tens of thousands and displacing millions.

1 / 2