Hemeti threatens to target airports from which drones are launched and calls for an international investigation into violations in the Sudanese conflict.

Khartoum, Sudan – The commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and head of the Presidential Council of the founding government, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo “Hemedti,” vowed to “rid the Sudanese people of the Muslim Brotherhood.” He blamed the movement for the ongoing war that has raged in the country since mid-April 2023. In a televised speech Tuesday evening, Hemedti’s rhetoric escalated into a direct threat. He also threatened to target any airport from which drones used to strike areas under his control in the Darfur and Kordofan regions take off or are launched, whether inside Sudan or across the borders of neighboring countries.

Hemeti said, “The airports from which these drones are launched, whether inside Sudan or in neighboring countries, will be considered legitimate targets for our forces.” He warned that his threats “must be taken seriously.” He also affirmed his commitment to halting the use of drones targeting civilians in areas under his control.

Call for an international investigation and charges against the army

Hemeti called for the formation of an international committee to “investigate all violations” committed since the outbreak of the conflict. He blamed “elements of the former regime” and the “Muslim Brotherhood” for choosing war and bloodshed, and held them responsible for the consequences. He also accused the Sudanese army of practicing “ethnic cleansing” and targeting local administrations and tribal leaders. He cited the killing of the emir of the Majaneen tribe in the Mazroub area, describing the operation as a “deliberate strike aimed at intimidation.”

Hemeti accused the army commander, Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, of trying to mislead public opinion by promoting the idea that the army is eliminating Islamists from its ranks. He said, “Some officers are honorable, but the majority are still affiliated with the Islamist movement.” He added, “There is no longer an army in Sudan… Those fighting now are the Muslim Brotherhood.”

Responding to drone attacks and threatening a “strong” response

Hemedti’s threat came after drone attacks carried out by the army last Saturday. He believes the attacks killed the leader of the Majaneen tribe in Kordofan and what he described as “17 other leaders and members of the tribe.” He described the operation as a “huge mistake” for which “the army will pay.” He also pointed to reports of attacks targeting sites and supply depots in the areas of Damazin, Sennar, Kassala, and the White Nile. There are also unconfirmed reports that approximately 250 people were killed at a recruitment camp in Sennar.

He threatened that any airport from which an aircraft takes off or a drone targeting civilians in Darfur and Kordofan “will be a legitimate target.” He added, “Any aircraft from any airport in a neighboring country that lands or takes off from that airport will be a legitimate target for us.”

Commitment not to expand the circle of conflict, but with escalating threats

Despite his escalatory tone, Hemeti announced that he would not target popular incubators in the northern states. He indicated that this decision was made to avoid expanding the conflict, despite calls from some members of his forces to target those areas. He also directed members of his cabinet to provide basic services to citizens in areas under the control of the “founding government.” He emphasized that the continuation of the war does not absolve the authorities of their responsibilities towards the population amid deteriorating humanitarian conditions.

An armed conflict has been ongoing in Sudan since April 2023 between the Rapid Support Forces, led by Hemedti, and the army, led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. The conflict has resulted in widespread human and material damage and mass internal displacement. It has also triggered severe humanitarian crises in several states, particularly Darfur, Kordofan, and the south and west of the country. Drones have recently been used to strike several locations. Both sides have repeatedly traded accusations of targeting civilians and committing violations.

Voice Of Emirates