A wave of drone strikes by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces hit several key sites in the greater Khartoum area on Tuesday, shattering the relative peace that had prevailed there since Sudan's army retook the capital from the RSF six months ago.
The RSF claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it was in response to what it called "the criminal targeting" of hospitals and other civilian structures in the regions of Darfur and Kordofan.
"These qualitative operations targeted military and logistical sites that serve the enemy's war effort without harming civilians or their property," said the spokesman for the RSF-backed administration based in Darfur.
The army, locked in a devastating civil war against the RSF since April 2023, made no immediate comment on Tuesday's attack.
It caused a power cut in several parts of the greater Khartoum area, as well as in the Nile province to the north, residents said.
They said drones targeted Al Markhiyat, north of Omdurman – one of three cities that make up greater Khartoum – where several power transformers were destroyed. A fire broke out at the power station housing the transformers.
The drones also attacked Al Jaili oil refinery and Al Yarmouk military industrial complex, they said.
A military source was quoted by AFP as saying an airbase had also been targeted, but air defence systems foiled the attack.
Tuesday's attack mirrored a wave of drone assaults in early May on Port Sudan, the temporary seat of the military-backed government on the Red Sea. Those attacks targeted the city's airport, fuel tanks and power stations.
The Khartoum attack also marks a significant escalation in the war and wider use of drones procured by both sides from their regional supporters. It is expected to curtail the return of residents, who had fled the fighting, to their homes in the capital region. At least half of the capital's nine million residents are thought to have fled Khartoum, Omdurman and Bahri.
The attack also comes as the army and the RSF are locked in fierce battles for control of El Fasher, the only city in the western Darfur region not held by the RSF. The city has been under RSF siege since May last year but the army has maintained control.
The fighting there is chiefly to blame for a humanitarian crisis inside the city and the outlying region, where famine has been declared.
There is no precise figure on how many people have been killed in the Sudan civil war, but the number is believed to be in the tens of thousands. The war has also forced the displacement of more than 13 million people and left half the population – about 25 million – facing hunger.
Efforts to mediate between Sudan's army chief and de factor ruler Gen Abdel Fattah Al Burhan and RSF commander Gen Mohamed Dagalo have failed to end the fighting, with the military vowing to fight until victory.
Sudan now has two rival administrations, with the military-backed government in Port Sudan controlling the areas held by the army in northern, central and eastern regions.
The RSF has set up its own administration in Darfur, with Nyala as its capital. The paramilitary also controls parts of Kordofan to the south-west.
Wicked: For Good
Director: Jon M Chu
Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater
Rating: 4/5
Essentials
The flights
Etihad and Emirates fly direct from the UAE to Delhi from about Dh950 return including taxes.
The hotels
Double rooms at Tijara Fort-Palace cost from 6,670 rupees (Dh377), including breakfast.
Doubles at Fort Bishangarh cost from 29,030 rupees (Dh1,641), including breakfast. Doubles at Narendra Bhawan cost from 15,360 rupees (Dh869). Doubles at Chanoud Garh cost from 19,840 rupees (Dh1,122), full board. Doubles at Fort Begu cost from 10,000 rupees (Dh565), including breakfast.
The tours
Amar Grover travelled with Wild Frontiers. A tailor-made, nine-day itinerary via New Delhi, with one night in Tijara and two nights in each of the remaining properties, including car/driver, costs from £1,445 (Dh6,968) per person.
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
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What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
Day 3, Abu Dhabi Test: At a glance
Moment of the day Just three balls remained in an exhausting day for Sri Lanka’s bowlers when they were afforded some belated cheer. Nuwan Pradeep, unrewarded in 15 overs to that point, let slip a seemingly innocuous delivery down the legside. Babar Azam feathered it behind, and Niroshan Dickwella dived to make a fine catch.
Stat of the day - 2.56 Shan Masood and Sami Aslam are the 16th opening partnership Pakistan have had in Tests in the past five years. That turnover at the top of the order – a new pair every 2.56 Test matches on average – is by far the fastest rate among the leading Test sides. Masood and Aslam put on 114 in their first alliance in Abu Dhabi.
The verdict Even by the normal standards of Test cricket in the UAE, this has been slow going. Pakistan’s run-rate of 2.38 per over is the lowest they have managed in a Test match in this country. With just 14 wickets having fallen in three days so far, it is difficult to see 26 dropping to bring about a result over the next two.
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Film: Raid
Dir: Rajkumar Gupta
Starring: Ajay Devgn, Ileana D'cruz and Saurabh Shukla
Verdict: Three stars
Other key dates
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Finals draw: December 2
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Finals (including semi-finals and third-placed game): June 5–9, 2019
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Euro 2020 play-off draw: November 22, 2019
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Euro 2020 play-offs: March 26–31, 2020
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League final:
Who: Real Madrid v Liverpool
Where: NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kiev, Ukraine
When: Saturday, May 26, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: Match on BeIN Sports
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if you go
The flights
Emirates flies to Delhi with fares starting from around Dh760 return, while Etihad fares cost about Dh783 return. From Delhi, there are connecting flights to Lucknow.
Where to stay
It is advisable to stay in Lucknow and make a day trip to Kannauj. A stay at the Lebua Lucknow hotel, a traditional Lucknowi mansion, is recommended. Prices start from Dh300 per night (excluding taxes).
