Sudanese Rebels Mistakenly Shoot Down Cargo Plane

On October 21, 2024, the Sudanese paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF) mistakenly shot down an Ilyushin IL-76 cargo plane, believing it was a Sudanese military aircraft. The plane, operated by a UAE-based carrier, was reportedly delivering military supplies to the RSF, which has been embroiled in a civil war against the Sudanese government. The incident occurred in North Darfur, resulting in the deaths of at least two crew members, who were identified as Russian nationals. Video evidence from the crash site indicated that RSF fighters were unaware they had shot down their own supply plane, having initially claimed it was an enemy aircraft. The shooting reflects the chaotic dynamics of the ongoing conflict in Sudan, where various factions and foreign interests are at play, including alleged support from the UAE to the RSF. The Russian embassy in Sudan is investigating the incident amid concerns over the involvement of Russian personnel in the conflict.