PORT SUDAN — Military aircrafts from Turkey, Qatar, Egypt, Iran, and Russia have landed at Port Sudan International Airport, the main operational base for Sudan’s army, amid reports that the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have launched a renewed military offensive in several parts of the country.
Eyewitnesses and security sources in Port Sudan confirmed that multiple military planes arrived at the airport within the past few hours, sparking widespread speculation about the purpose of their visit and the level of foreign involvement in the Sudanese conflict.
At the same time, Sudanese military aircraft were seen landing at Asmara International Airport in Eritrea, reportedly for refueling or logistical coordination, before returning to Port Sudan. The reason behind these flights has not been officially disclosed, but regional observers suggest they could be linked to new military operations or foreign consultations on security cooperation.
According to military insiders, the Sudanese army has begun a new phase of operations aimed at reclaiming key areas controlled by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a powerful paramilitary group led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, commonly known as Hemedti. The renewed fighting marks an escalation in a war that has already devastated much of the country and displaced more than 10 million people, according to UN estimates.
Port Sudan, located on the Red Sea coast, has served as the de facto administrative and military capital of the Sudanese government since fighting broke out in April 2023. The city now hosts top army leadership, key ministries, and diplomatic missions after the capital, Khartoum, became a battleground between rival forces.
The arrival of military aircraft from multiple foreign powers — including regional rivals such as Iran and Egypt — has raised concerns about increased foreign intervention in the conflict. Each of the countries mentioned has, in recent months, sought to expand its influence in the Red Sea corridor, a strategic maritime route critical for trade and military logistics. Turkey has maintained military cooperation with Sudan since the era of former President Omar al-Bashir, particularly through naval and training agreements. Qatar has historically been a key political and financial partner to Sudan, especially in humanitarian and development aid. Egypt, a close ally of Sudan’s army leadership, has repeatedly expressed concern about the growing power of the RSF, which it views as a destabilizing force near its southern border. Iran’s involvement signals a possible revival of ties with Khartoum, which were severed in 2016 but have recently been restored amid shifting regional alliances. Russia has long sought to establish a naval base in Port Sudan, giving it access to the Red Sea — a move that has faced strong opposition from Western governments.
Analysts say the renewed military buildup and diplomatic activity in Port Sudan could reshape the dynamics of the ongoing war, potentially drawing in more regional actors and complicating international efforts for peace. The United Nations and African Union have repeatedly warned that Sudan’s conflict risks destabilizing the entire Horn of Africa if not contained. Meanwhile, humanitarian conditions continue to deteriorate, with millions facing food insecurity, disease outbreaks, and limited access to aid due to insecurity and blockades.
As of Saturday evening, Sudanese military officials had not released any official statement about the arrival of the foreign aircraft or the reported new offensive. However, sources within the Port Sudan administration described the situation as “tense but under control,” noting that military convoys and reinforcements were being deployed toward conflict zones in central and western Sudan.
