Sudan's Capital Khartoum Under Attack as Drones Target Airport for Fourth Consecutive Day

Strategic Insights -

For the fourth consecutive day, Sudan's capital Khartoum has been targeted by drones operated by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), causing loud explosions and concerns about the resumed air traffic at the city's main airport. The attacks began on Tuesday, a day before the airport was scheduled to become operational after at least two years of war. Residents have been expressing concerns that the airport's reopening, initially planned for October 26, may not happen.

Key Takeaways:

  • The RSF has targeted Khartoum and its main airport with drones for a fourth consecutive day, causing loud explosions and damage.
  • The attacks began on Tuesday, a day before the airport's scheduled reopening after two years of war.
  • Residents are concerned that the airport's reopening, planned for October 26, may not happen due to ongoing attacks.
  • The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people, displaced about 12 million, and left 30 million in need of humanitarian assistance.
  • Residents have been returning to their homes, but often find them destroyed, with authorities assessing the damage.
  • The Sudanese government has pledged to rebuild the capital, but its focus has so far been on state institutions, leaving residents to figure out how to rebuild on their own.
  • The collapse of the local currency has made reconstruction impossible, with the Sudanese pound spiking from 600 pounds to the US dollar in April 2023 to 3,500 pounds.
  • Goods are also hard to come by in the war-torn country, hampering reconstruction, with security checks causing delays and making materials more expensive.

Statistics:

  • At least 12 million people have been displaced due to the conflict.
  • 30 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance.
  • The Sudanese pound has spiked from 600 pounds to the US dollar in April 2023 to 3,500 pounds.
  • Tens of thousands of people have been killed in the conflict.
  • About 30 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance.

Sources:

  • Al Jazeera, October 23, 2025, "Sudan's Khartoum targeted by RSF drones for third day after airport reopens"
  • Al Jazeera, October 21, 2025, "Drone attack in Sudan threatens Khartoum airport reopening"
  • Al Jazeera, March 2024, "Sudanese military recaptures capital from paramilitary forces"
  • AFP, March 2024, "Sudan's airport reopening postponed 'under further notice'"
  • Al Jazeera, April 2023, "War in Sudan: Thousands killed, millions displaced"
  • Al Jazeera, April 2023, "Sudan's currency crisis: Pound spikes to 3,500 to the US dollar"