A Sudanese military aircraft crashed into a densely populated residential area in Omdurman, the twin city of Khartoum, on Tuesday evening, killing at least 46 people and injuring 10 others, state media reported.
The Russian-built Antonov aircraft went down shortly after taking off from the Wadi Seidna air base, a key military installation near the capital.
Officials have yet to determine the exact cause of the crash, but military sources suggest it was likely due to a technical malfunction.
Explosion, Casualties, and Devastation
Eyewitnesses described a massive explosion upon impact, with debris scattering across multiple homes. Several residential buildings suffered severe damage, and emergency response teams rushed injured civilians—including children—to nearby hospitals.
A senior army commander was among those killed in the disaster, according to Reuters, citing unnamed military sources.
The crash also triggered power outages in surrounding neighborhoods, exacerbating an already dire situation in a country ravaged by war.
Tensions Amid an Ongoing Civil War
The catastrophic crash occurred just a day after the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF)—which has been at war with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF)—claimed to have shot down a fighter jet in South Darfur.
Since April 2023, Sudan has been locked in a brutal conflict between the army and the RSF, who were once allies but are now fighting a deadly war over control of the country. The fighting has resulted in:
- Thousands of deaths
- The displacement of around 12 million people
- Widespread destruction in Khartoum, Omdurman, and Darfur
The Sudanese military has been conducting operations to retake key areas from the RSF, including parts of Khartoum and its surrounding regions in recent weeks. The ongoing war has devastated the country’s infrastructure, leaving millions without access to food, water, and medical care.
The Implications of the Crash
The loss of military personnel and civilians in the crash adds another layer of instability and tragedy to an already suffering nation.
If confirmed that the crash was due to a technical failure, it raises serious concerns about the Sudanese military’s equipment and operational readiness.
Security analysts have pointed out that Sudan’s military aircraft fleet consists of aging planes, many of which were originally sourced from Russia and Ukraine decades ago.
Maintenance and spare parts have been major challenges, especially amid international sanctions and the ongoing conflict.
There is also speculation about possible sabotage. Some sources suggest that the RSF could have played a role in the crash, though there is no concrete evidence to support this claim at the moment.
A Country in Crisis
Sudan’s civil war has divided the country into territories controlled by the army and the RSF.
The army holds most of the north and east, while the RSF has strongholds in Darfur and parts of the south.
The crash underscores the broader humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Sudan. As fighting continues, ordinary Sudanese citizens remain caught in the crossfire, with no clear resolution in sight.
For now, the focus remains on recovery efforts, identifying the victims, and investigating what led to one of the deadliest military plane crashes in Sudan’s history
