Khartoum:The Sudanese Armed Forces announced that their air defenses successfully intercepted two hostile drones in the regions of West Kordofan and East Darfur on Wednesday. This action is part of ongoing military operations in these areas.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, the army's General Command reported that an FH-95 drone was intercepted south of Ayal Bakhit in West Kordofan state in the early hours of the day. Another drone of the same model was shot down southeast of Ed Daein, the capital of East Darfur state, marking the second interception operation on Wednesday.

The army revealed that these interceptions bring the total number of hostile drones shot down by their air defenses to 29. However, they did not disclose the timeframe over which these interceptions occurred. The identity of those launching the drones and their intended targets remain unspecified. The interceptions occurred amidst intensified fighting in West Kordofan, where the Sudanese army is advancing against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The FH-95 drones, manufactured in China, are equipped for reconnaissance, surveillance, and electronic warfare missions, capable of remaining airborne for over 12 hours. Sudanese authorities and human rights groups have accused the RSF of utilizing such drones to target civilian infrastructure. The RSF has not responded to these accusations, maintaining that they are focused on protecting civilians.

Clashes between the Sudanese army and the RSF have escalated since October 25 across North, West, and South Kordofan. The conflict, ongoing since April 2023, has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced approximately 13 million people, based on United Nations and international estimates.