Iran ignites conflict in Sudan and sends Mohajer 6 drones
According to a report from the “Bloomberg” agency, citing high-level Western officials, Iran has allegedly supplied the Sudanese army with drones, contributing to the escalation of the ongoing conflict and civil war in Sudan.
The report, issued on January 24, confirms that satellites have captured images of an Iranian drone of the “Mohajer 6” model at a military base north of the capital, Khartoum.
Three Western officials, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the information, stated that “Sudan received shipments of drones (Mohajer 6), single-engine drones manufactured in Iran, carrying guided munitions.”
Through the Sudanese army, Iran is strengthening its influence in the Red Sea and Africa
According to “Bloomberg,” which also highlights Iranian intervention in the Sudanese civil war for the past nine months, supporting the army that has lost significant territories to the Rapid Support Forces, increasing risks for the already famine-threatened state.
Iran’s involvement in the Sudanese issue underscores the importance of Sudan’s coastline on the Red Sea, approximately 640 kilometers long, where countries such as China, Russia, and Turkey are competing for access, according to “Bloomberg.”
Alan Boswell, director of the African Century Project at the International Crisis Group, told “Bloomberg” that Iran’s supply of drones and other material support to the Sudanese army is “widely accepted in Iranian diplomatic circles.” He added that “gaining an ally in Sudan, especially along the Red Sea, would be a significant victory for Iran, but it would concern other regional and Western powers.”
Dutch drone specialist Wim Zwijnenburg said that among the evidence confirming the presence of the “Mohajer 6” drone in Sudan is a satellite image captured on January 9 of the aircraft at the Wadi Sayyidna airbase north of Khartoum.
Zwijnenburg added that the wings of the aircraft shown in the image match only those of the “Mohajer 6” drone.
According to U.S. officials, the “Mohajer 6” drone is capable of conducting air-to-ground attacks, electronic warfare, and battlefield targeting.
The United States accused Iran of supplying Russia with “Mohajer 6” drones in its war against Ukraine. Washington expanded its sanctions against Iran last year, stating that “Tehran’s continuous and deliberate deployment of unmanned aircraft aims to empower its allies in the Middle East and enable Russia and other destabilizing actors.”
Khartoum severed ties with Tehran in 2016, but the Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced in October last year the resumption of diplomatic relations, with no further steps taken since then.
Iranian drones encircle Saudi Arabia
Analysts estimate that arming the Sudanese army with Iranian drones “enhances Tehran’s military influence in the Middle East,” supporting armed groups in Gaza, the Lebanese Hezbollah, the Houthi rebels in Yemen, as well as groups in Syria and Iraq.
Sudan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs (acting), Ali al-Sadiq, met last Saturday in Uganda with the First Vice President of Iran, Mohammad Mokhber, on the sidelines of their participation in the “Non-Aligned Summit” held in Kampala. A Sudanese statement on the meeting indicates that officials “discussed the restoration of bilateral relations between the two countries and expediting the steps to reopen their embassies.”
Khartoum severed its ties with Tehran in 2016, but the Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced in October last year the resumption of diplomatic relations. However, no further steps have been taken since then.
Sudan has a strategic coastal outlook on the Red Sea spanning about 800 kilometers, and its ports are an international competitive arena involving several major powers, including the United States, China, Russia, and Turkey. The growing Iranian influence in Sudan is causing international concern.
Alan Boswell, director of the African Horn project at the International Crisis Group, stated that “recovering an ally in Sudan, especially along the Red Sea, would be a significant win for Iran, but it would raise concerns for other regional and Western powers.”
The United States has accused Iran of supplying Russia with drones of the “Mohajer 6” model in its war against Ukraine. Washington expanded its sanctions against Iran last year, emphasizing that “Iran’s continuous and deliberate proliferation of drones aims to empower Russia and its proxies in the Middle East, as well as other destabilizing actors for stability.”
