Reports confirm that a UAE-linked plane, partially crewed by Russians, was shot down by Sudanese paramilitary forces in Darfur. According to Newsweek, the downed aircraft was an Ilyushin Il-76 originating from Kyrgyzstan, with documents suggesting ties to the UAE. Onboard were a Russian passport and IDs belonging to foreign mercenaries, heightening the intrigue surrounding the incident. It appears to have been a tragic case of “friendly fire,” as the RSF, aligned with Russian mercenary forces, mistakenly targeted their own allies.
Russian authorities are investigating the crash, which occurred while the cargo plane was delivering supplies to el-Fasher, an army-controlled city. The RSF, responsible for shooting down the aircraft, initially identified it as an Antonov model and accused it of targeting civilians. Mobile phone footage captured at the crash site revealed a debris field, with RSF fighters showcasing documents recovered from the wreckage. These documents hint at a possible connection between the aircraft and an effort, allegedly involving the UAE, to supply arms to the RSF—something the UAE has firmly denied.
The incident underscores the volatile nature of the ongoing conflict in Sudan, where complex allegiances between foreign actors and local forces make the situation ever more precarious. Russian diplomats are closely monitoring the developments, but the chaotic dynamics of the region ensure that the full story remains shrouded in uncertainty.
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