Khartoum, February 02 (Darfur24)
An investigation published by The New York Times has revealed the existence of a secret airbase in Egypt’s Western Desert that is allegedly being used to launch advanced Turkish-made drones toward targets inside Sudan.
According to the newspaper, which cited satellite imagery, flight records, and video evidence, Bayraktar Akinci drones have conducted deep strikes inside Sudan for at least six months, targeting Rapid Support Forces (RSF) fighters and supply convoys.
The report said the development represents a shift in Egypt’s role in the Sudan conflict, noting that Cairo—previously engaged diplomatically—appears to have entered the fighting in support of the Sudanese army. The newspaper said the move adds to a wider regional and international confrontation involving the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Russia, and Iran.
American and European officials quoted by The New York Times said the fall of El Fasher to the RSF in late October was a key moment that prompted Egypt’s alleged military intervention.
The newspaper said it received no response to its inquiries from the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Sudanese army. The Rapid Support Forces, meanwhile, issued indirect threats of retaliation, stating that they were aware the strikes were being launched from a “foreign base.”
According to the investigation, the alleged airbase is located within Egypt’s East Oweinat agricultural project, where satellite images show a runway constructed among large wheat fields and circular farms.
The report said the site, originally developed for agriculture, has expanded since 2018 to include an additional runway and aircraft hangars. Experts cited by the newspaper said the installation of satellite communications systems at the location coincided with the start of Turkish drone operations.
The investigation noted that Bayraktar Akinci drones have a reported range exceeding 4,500 miles and can carry significantly larger payloads than the Bayraktar TB2, enabling long-range strikes deep inside Sudan.
The New York Times concluded that Sudan has increasingly become a battleground for advanced drone warfare, contributing to civilian casualties, combatant deaths, and the destruction of critical infrastructure, including electricity and water facilities, amid an intensifying regional competition for influence and resources, particularly gold.
