Drone Attacks Target 15 Power Stations, Raising Fears of a Nationwide Blackout in Sudan

Amid a notable escalation in the drone warfare, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have continued their attacks on electricity facilities in areas under the control of the Sudanese army, targeting power generation and transmission stations in various parts of the country. The attacks have resulted in widespread power and water supply outages, amid warnings of serious consequences for hospitals and agricultural projects, as well as the potential collapse of parts of the national electricity grid if the attacks continue at the current rate.

Reports indicate that approximately 15 power stations were targeted between 20 October and 1 November, while the Emergency Lawyers group announced that 15 stations had been targeted during October alone.

The discrepancy between the two reporting periods and figures is attributed to differences in counting methods, with some reports counting the number of facilities targeted, while others count repeated attacks on the same facility. For example, Al-Markhiyat power station in Omdurman was subjected to eight repeated attacks, according to station workers.

Former Sudanese Minister of Energy Adel Ibrahim warned of the consequences of continued attacks, saying that most of the country’s main electricity substations had been bombed and put out of service. According to his assessment, only three major stations remain operational: Merowe Dam Station, Atbara Station in northern Sudan, and Maringan Station in Wad Madani, the capital of Al-Jazirah State.

Ibrahim warned: “If attacks on electricity substations continue at this pace, the entire country will be plunged into complete darkness.”