Sudan declares UAE ‘enemy state’ after Port Sudan drone barrage

PORT SUDAN – Sudan has declared the United Arab Emirates (UAE) an “enemy state” following a series of drone attacks on Port Sudan that caused extensive damage to critical infrastructure, including oil and gas depots, the port, airport, power stations, and hotels.

The declaration was made by Sudanese Defence Minister Yassin Ibrahim Yassin after a meeting of the National Security and Defence Council, chaired by army commander Abdelfattah al-Burhan, who also heads the Transitional Sovereign Council.

In a statement read by Yassin, the security council condemned the UAE for what it described as “a crime of aggression” against Sudan’s sovereignty and security. The minister accused the UAE of supporting armed militias and political factions that have fueled the ongoing conflict in Sudan, specifically targeting the country’s vital infrastructure.

“In the name of Allah, the most merciful, the most merciful,” the statement began, as Yassin outlined the UAE’s alleged role in supporting “rebellious, terrorist” militias that have attacked Sudanese territory.

The minister claimed that after facing defeat by Sudan’s armed forces, the UAE escalated its involvement by supplying advanced military weapons and further destabilizing Sudan’s security situation.

The statement added that the UAE’s support for these groups, along with its attacks on vital Sudanese facilities, has endangered millions of civilian lives and jeopardized regional security, particularly along the Red Sea.

As a result of the ongoing aggression, the Sudanese Security and Defence Council announced several decisive actions.

First, it declared the UAE an “enemy state,” marking a significant shift in Sudan’s foreign relations. Second, it announced the termination of diplomatic ties with the UAE. Finally, Sudan’s government decided to withdraw its embassy and consulates, citing Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which grants nations the right to defend their sovereignty.

“As a result of this ongoing aggression, the Security and Defence Council decided to First, to declare the United Arab Emirates a state of aggression. Second, to terminate diplomatic relations with it,” Yassin said.

“Third and last, to withdraw the Sudanese embassy and the general embassy in accordance with the text and spirit of Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which gave the countries the right to defend themselves,” he added.

Yassin also affirmed Sudan’s right to respond to the attacks, emphasizing the country’s commitment to protecting its citizens and ensuring the continuation of humanitarian aid.

“Sudan has the right to respond to aggression in all ways to safeguard the sovereignty of the country and its territories and to guarantee the protection of civilians and the continuation of humanitarian aid,” he said.

The Sudanese government reiterated its resolve to safeguard its sovereignty, with the full support of its armed forces, police, and security services.

“The Council nominates the efforts of the Sudanese people, its armed forces, the police, security, joint forces and popular resistance. It assures the Sudanese nation that the state is capable of responding to aggression and safeguarding the security of the country,” he concluded.