World

Sudan’s Power Grid Targeted in 18th Drone Strike of the Week

By Al Jazeera Staff

Three electricity substations in eastern and northern Sudan were hit by drone strikes on Monday, adding to a series of attacks that have disrupted power supplies across the country. The latest incidents brought the total number of strikes on Sudan’s electricity network to 18 in the past week. The Sudanese military government has accused Ethiopia of supporting the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in these attacks. Facilities in New Halfa and Aroma in eastern Kassala state were struck early on Monday, and the al‑Ghazali substation in the Northern State was also targeted, according to local media. Videos circulating on social media appear to show fires at the sites, with civil defence teams attempting to extinguish them; Al Jazeera was unable to verify the footage immediately. On Sunday, Sudan’s government filed complaints against Ethiopia with the United Nations Security Council and the African Union’s Peace and Security Council, alleging Addis Ababa’s involvement in the campaign of attacks on civilian infrastructure and power stations. The Sudanese army also reported that a group of RSF members had defected by surrendering to its forces in Damazin, the capital of southeastern Blue Nile state. This announcement follows a video statement by senior RSF commander Siddiq Ander, who claimed he had defected. The army said the development was part of a growing number of defections from the paramilitary group in Blue Nile state and that the commander had provided information about military operations in Damazin, including “Ethiopian support” for the RSF.