A Sudanese military plane crashed late Tuesday in a residential area on the outskirts of Khartoum, killing more than 20 people, including senior military officers and civilians, according to military sources.
The crash occurred during takeoff from the Wadi Seidna military airport in northern Omdurman, a part of greater Khartoum. Military sources quoted by Reuters attributed the accident to technical reasons. Among the deceased was Major-General Bahr Ahmed, a senior commander in Khartoum, whose death marks a significant loss for the Sudanese army amid the ongoing conflict with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
In a statement, the Sudanese military confirmed that both military personnel and civilians had lost their lives in the crash. The statement also mentioned that emergency response teams had transported the injured to hospitals for medical care.
“The injured have been taken to hospital, and firefighting teams managed to contain the blaze at the crash site,” the statement read.
The exact number of casualties remains unclear, but military sources estimate that more than 20 people were killed. This includes high-ranking military officials and residents in the affected area.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos following the crash. Residents in northern Omdurman reported hearing a loud explosion that shook homes and caused widespread panic. The impact of the crash damaged several residential buildings and caused power outages in the surrounding neighborhoods.
The Karari Resistance Committee, a volunteer group coordinating humanitarian aid, reported that at least 10 bodies and several injured individuals were brought to al-Nao Hospital in Omdurman. Emergency workers and local volunteers rushed to the scene to assist with rescue efforts and provide aid to the injured.
“We heard a massive explosion, and when we arrived, the area was filled with smoke and fire,” said a local resident who witnessed the aftermath. “Several homes were destroyed, and people were screaming for help.”
The plane crash comes as Sudan’s military intensifies its offensive against the RSF in central Sudan and the capital. The conflict, which began in April 2023, has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced millions of people.
The crash occurred just a day after the RSF claimed responsibility for downing a Russian-made Ilyushin plane in Nyala, the capital of South Darfur. This recent escalation highlights the deepening divide between the warring factions.
The conflict originated from a power struggle between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo over the future governance structure of Sudan. Despite international calls for a ceasefire, both sides continue to engage in violent clashes, causing widespread devastation across the country.
The ongoing violence in Sudan has led to one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises. According to the United Nations, more than 12 million people have been displaced, and millions are facing severe food shortages.
On Monday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned of “further escalation” after the RSF and its allies announced plans to establish a parallel government in areas under their control.
“The situation in Sudan is deteriorating rapidly,” Guterres said, urging both sides to prioritize dialogue and halt further violence.
Humanitarian organizations continue to face challenges in delivering aid to affected regions due to the ongoing conflict and restricted access to key areas. The plane crash further complicates relief efforts as more civilians are caught in the crossfire of the escalating war.
The Sudanese people remain trapped in a cycle of violence and uncertainty. Families affected by the crash mourn their losses while bracing for further violence as the military and RSF continue their battle for control.
With tensions rising and no clear path to peace, the future of Sudan remains uncertain. The international community continues to call for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian assistance to alleviate the suffering of millions caught in the conflict.
