NORTHERN STATE – The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) reported on Thursday morning that the strategic Merowe Dam in Northern State came under attack by several suicide drones, in what the military describes as a deliberate targeting of key infrastructure.
According to a statement issued by the SAF’s 19th Infantry Division, air defenses successfully intercepted the incoming drones before they could cause any destruction. The military said no human or material losses were recorded. As of the time of reporting, no party has claimed responsibility for the operation.
On the same morning, SAF’s air defense units also responded to drones flying near the city of Atbara in River Nile State. The SAF stated that its forces launched several rounds at the aircraft, which were spotted circling the area. No damage or casualties were reported in this incident either.
The SAF has consistently accused the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of carrying out similar drone operations, while the RSF has remained silent in the face of these allegations.
Merowe Dam, located in northern Sudan, is one of the country’s most critical infrastructure projects. Commissioned in 2009, the dam provides electricity to several regions and plays a central role in Sudan’s energy grid. Over the past several months, it has faced repeated attacks that temporarily knocked out several power stations before repairs were made by technical teams.
The strike on Merowe comes amid a broader trend of attacks against infrastructure in SAF-held areas. Since war erupted between SAF and RSF in April 2023, public service institutions have become frequent targets. Power stations, water facilities, hospitals, and roads have all been hit, adding further pressure to communities already enduring immense hardship.
SAF officials claim that the RSF is intensifying drone and artillery strikes on cities under government control, including key service points. In April, SAF accused the RSF of launching aerial strikes on electrical infrastructure in Omdurman and parts of Gezira state. The RSF did not respond to the accusations, but evidence has increasingly pointed to its growing access to military-grade drones.
As the war between the SAF and the RSF stretches into its third year, critical infrastructure has increasingly come under attack, with devastating consequences for civilians. Repeated strikes on dams, power stations, and water networks have led to widespread electricity outages, water shortages, and the collapse of essential public services in many regions. Hospitals have been forced to suspend operations, communication lines have been disrupted, and entire neighborhoods have plunged into darkness. Beyond their strategic value, these facilities are lifelines for millions. Their destruction deepens the humanitarian crisis and accelerates the breakdown of daily life across Sudan.
