Satellite images of an airport in Sudan that is controlled by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces indicate that the RSF possesses long-range kamikaze drones that could alter the course of the conflict in the country. The images, analyzed by the Yale Humanitarian Research Lab and confirmed by Reuters, show Chinese drones capable of attacking targets within a range of 1,200 miles, or anywhere in Sudan.

Drones have begun to transform warfare across Africa, as several recent incidents demonstrate. Government forces across the continent often lack the counter-drone technology needed to protect themselves and civilians, so the fact that non-state armed groups are beginning to acquire combat drones has dire implications, Zikora Ibeh wrote in April.