Khartoum: The Sudanese army reported that its air defenses successfully intercepted a swarm of drones targeting the areas of Omdurman, located west of Khartoum, and the northern city of Atbara early Friday. This development marks a notable escalation in the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese military and paramilitary groups.

According to Anadolu Agency, residents of Omdurman experienced the sound of heavy anti-aircraft fire after several drones launched an attack on the city's northern districts just before dawn. Similarly, in Atbara, witnesses recounted a drone swarm strike occurring around 3 am local time, which prompted a vigorous response of heavy artillery fire from army positions.

The extent of casualties and damage from these attacks remains unclear, as neither the Sudanese army nor the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have issued statements regarding the strikes. Earlier reports from the Sudan News outlet indicated that the RSF, a paramilitary group, was responsible for the drone strikes early Friday in these areas.

The attacks coincided with the RSF's announcement on Thursday of its agreement to a humanitarian truce in Sudan, proposed by the Quad countries-the US, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. However, the RSF did not disclose details about the ceasefire terms or the implementation mechanism, and neither the Quad nor the Sudanese army provided immediate comments on the ceasefire.

Sudanese authorities have accused the RSF of conducting numerous drone attacks on civilian targets in Khartoum and other cities, although the RSF has not publicly responded to these allegations. Since April 15, 2023, the Sudanese army and the RSF have been engaged in a conflict that has defied resolution by regional and international mediations, resulting in the deaths of thousands and the displacement of millions.