Sudan’s rival factions, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), have accused each other of responsibility for a deadly drone strike that killed 17 civilians in Chad on Wednesday, March 19.
The Chadian government confirmed the attack occurred in the border town of Al-Tina and said the drone originated from Sudanese territory. The RSF blamed the SAF, describing the incident as a violation of Chad’s sovereignty, while the SAF denied involvement and instead accused the RSF of carrying out the strike as part of a pattern of cross-border attacks.
Chad has since heightened its military alert, with government spokesperson Qassem Sharif stating that authorities reserve the right to pursue those responsible within Sudan under international law.
The incident underscores escalating tensions along the Sudan–Chad border, particularly in the Darfur region, where clashes over strategic supply routes and crossings—such as Adre—have intensified. Chad had earlier closed its border with Sudan on February 23, allowing only authorised humanitarian access.
The conflict between the SAF and RSF, which began in April 2023, has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced millions across Sudan and neighbouring countries.
