Sudanese paramilitaries executed a large-scale Sudan drone attack on 18 December 2025, targeting civilian infrastructure in River Nile State. A military source told AFP that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched 35 drones against Atbara, Al-Damer, and Berber cities. The strikes hit transformers at the Al-Muqrin power station, a critical hub that receives hydroelectric power from the Merowe Dam and redistributes it nationwide.
Witnesses reported flames and smoke rising over Atbara after the initial overnight strike. A second attack targeted rescue workers, killing two and injuring one, according to a power plant official speaking to AFP. The River Nile State government confirmed the deaths of the rescue workers, stating the militias showed no respect for human life.
Ongoing Conflict and Broader Implications
The Sudan drone attack exacerbates the war between Sudan's army and the RSF, which began in April 2023. This conflict has killed tens of thousands, displaced millions, and ravaged infrastructure, creating the world's worst humanitarian crisis, as per the United Nations. Recent RSF drone strikes have focused on army-controlled areas, including civilian sites, leading to power cuts for millions.
The damaged power station caused outages across multiple states, including those along the Nile and Red Sea, affecting Port Sudan—the interim government seat. Emergency Lawyers, an NGO documenting war atrocities, reported airstrikes in Atbara that struck civilian homes, killing a young girl and injuring four. The UN noted over 1,000 civilian deaths in RSF attacks on Zamzam camp in April 2025 and called for a war crimes probe. More than 50,000 people have fled violence in Kordofan since RSF seized El-Fasher in October 2025, according to the International Organization for Migration.
Army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan visited Cairo on 18 December 2025 to discuss crisis resolution, per the Egyptian president's spokesman. Hopes for peace rose last month after US President Donald Trump pledged intervention following talks with Saudi Arabia's Prince Mohammed.
Official and Group Responses
The national electricity company confirmed the Sudan drone attack led to widespread power outages and stated the fire at the plant continued burning on the morning of 18 December 2025. Port Sudan official Abdel Rahim al-Amin told AFP the blackout started at 2:00 am local time and expressed hope for quick restoration.
The RSF provided no comment on the incident, according to AFP. No response from RSF representatives was available as of the report's publication.
