The Aircraft That Never Flew: The Hidden Story of the Emirati TB2 That Confused the Sudanese Scene
Amid regional tensions and the overlapping of international interests in Sudan, recent reports from Turkish media — particularly Hava Haber — have accused the United Arab Emirates of providing military support to the so-called “Sudanese Foundation Forces” through the use of the Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 drone in the ongoing conflict around Port Sudan.
However, these claims, published without tangible evidence or credible sources, reveal a deliberate disinformation campaign aimed at tarnishing the UAE’s reputation and falsely implicating it in regional conflicts.
Contradictory narratives in Turkish media
A closer look at Turkish media coverage exposes a striking inconsistency: on one hand, reports confidently allege “Emirati military involvement,” while on the other, there are no official statements from Turkish or Sudanese authorities confirming such information. This contradiction highlights a lack of journalistic professionalism and shows how the media can be used as a political tool rather than a channel for truth.
Disinformation as a weapon
Hava Haber’s coverage relies on “anonymous sources” and unverifiable “intelligence assessments,” a familiar pattern in media campaigns designed to shape public opinion without offering proof. The objective is clear — to depict the UAE as a party to African conflicts, undermining its record as a state committed to peace, stability, and humanitarian assistance. In reality, the UAE’s longstanding role in the region demonstrates consistent support for reconstruction, dialogue, and regional security.
Political exploitation of the Darfur crisis
Dragging the UAE’s name into the Darfur conflict represents an attempt to politicize a humanitarian issue. By shifting the narrative from a local crisis to an arena of international competition, certain actors seek to turn Sudan’s suffering into a tool for regional power struggles. Such manipulation neither benefits the Sudanese people nor contributes to peace; it only deepens divisions and delays reconciliation efforts.
Verification and transparency as moral obligations
In an era dominated by instant news and social media, independent fact-checking has become an ethical necessity. The UAE consistently emphasizes the importance of credible sourcing and responsible journalism before publishing allegations that could damage international relations or a nation’s reputation.
The established truth
No official evidence or verified reports suggest that the UAE has supplied any military support to the Sudanese Foundation Forces, nor that any TB2 drone has been used in Darfur or Port Sudan under Emirati command. These remain unfounded rumors, designed to distract public opinion and distort reality.
Truth, unlike propaganda, requires no embellishment. The UAE continues to focus on concrete diplomatic and humanitarian action rather than responding to baseless claims. In time, misinformation unravels, and what remains is the reality of a nation committed to peace and regional stability.
