2.17.2. Conflict dynamics and tactics

As of August 2025, UNHCR described Kassala state as ‘relatively stable’.1239 A drone attack, an incident which was described as ‘rare’ in the SAF-controlled east, was reported at the beginning of May 2025, targeting Kassala airport without causing casualties or damages.1240 Further drone strikes around the same time reportedly targeted the SAF 11th Division in Khashm Al-Girba.1241 According to Dabanga, the proliferation of weapons in Kassala state had led to a widespread security breakdown, such as in June 2025, when a soldier fired wildly into crowds in Khashm Al-Girba, killing seven people.1242 In September 2026, the SAF reported to have shot down an RSF drone over Khashm Al-Girba.1243

  • 1239

    UNHCR, Protection Brief Sudan, August 2025, 20 November 2025, url, p. 23

  • 1240

    AFP, Paramilitary drone hits Sudan airport near Eritrea: pro-army source, 3 May 2025

  • 1241

    ACJPS, Report on Human Rights Situation in Sudan – April to June 2025, 25 July 2025, url, p. 22

  • 1242

    Dabanga, مقتل سبعة أشخاص في إطلاق نار من قبل جندي في شرق السودان [Seven people killed in gunfire from a soldier in eastern Sudan], 9 June 2025, url

  • 1243

    Al Jazeera, الجيش السوداني: إسقاط 3 مسيرات للدعم السريع في ولايتي القضارف وكسلا [SAF: Three RSF drones shot down in Gedaref and Kassala states] [Online video], 15 September 2026, url