Sudan downs Ethiopian drone in Blue Nile

On August 23, 2026, Sudan's Defense Ministry announced that its forces shot down a 'hostile' drone over Blue Nile state near the town of Kurmuk, alleging the aircraft was launched from Ethiopian territory. Ethiopian authorities did not immediately comment. This incident follows a similar downing of three FH-95 drones in North Kordofan earlier in August. The event occurs amid the ongoing Sudanese civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, which has killed tens of thousands and displaced around 13 million people. Sudan has previously accused Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates of facilitating drone attacks from Ethiopian territory, allegations both countries deny. The RSF has been accused of targeting civilian infrastructure, though it denies these claims. Blue Nile state has become a key front, with the RSF conducting ground offensives and drone attacks. The Sudanese army controls large parts of Blue Nile, while the South Sudan — Sudan People s Liberation Movement has fought the government since 2011 seeking autonomy for South Kordofan and Blue Nile.