The crash of an Ilyushin Il-76 in North Darfur – Aviation.Direct

In the early hours of October 21, 2024, a dramatic incident occurred in Malha, North Darfur, which could further aggravate the fragile situation in Sudan. An Ilyushin Il-76 cargo plane was shot down by the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which immediately claimed responsibility for the incident. This crash raises questions about military operations in the region, the role of external actors such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the dangers of friendly fire.

According to the RSF, the military aircraft was shot down near Malha at around 4:00 a.m. Initially the aircraft was identified as an Antonov, but later information suggested that it was actually an Il-76 carrying out operations for the RSF. This sheds new light on the intricacies of the Sudanese conflict and the potentially opaque air transport operations in the region.

The aircraft, registration EX-76011, likely belonged to New Way Cargo Airlines, a Kyrgyz airline operated from Ras al-Khaimah in the UAE. Reports indicate that the aircraft was carrying goods destined for the RSF, which is supported by a crew ID card found at the scene of the accident. The ID card pointed to “Airline Transport Incorporation FZC,” a company with connections to Kyrgyzstan and the UAE.

Additionally, a Russian passport was found indicating that there were at least two people on board, although the Il-76 typically required a crew of seven. According to reports, the plane had previously taken off from Manas International Airport in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan and was en route to Amdjarass Airport in Chad.

Friendly fire and the role of the RSF

The RSF forces responsible for shooting down the aircraft may have acted unknowingly. It is believed they were unaware of the secret night flights coordinated by the UAE. This information is particularly explosive because it highlights the possibility of “friendly fire” – a tragic misunderstanding in which friendly or allied forces are mistakenly attacked.

The incident highlights the uncertainty and chaos that characterizes the Sudanese conflict. The RSF, operating alongside the UAE, appears to have not been informed of all information regarding aircraft movements, leading to this fatal error.

Military support from the UAE

The UAE’s role in Sudan, and in particular its support of the RSF through military transport, has already been investigated by several sources, including reports from the United Nations and the New York Times. These reports note that cargo planes regularly fly with shipments of arms and ammunition to Amdjarass, Chad, from where the goods are distributed to the RSF. These support operations contribute to tensions in the region and strengthen the RSF’s military capabilities.

A September 2023 New York Times investigation had identified Amdjarass Airport as a key point of military support for the RSF. The conflict in Sudan, which has been raging since April 2023, is a clash between the regular army and the RSF, under the command of General Mohamed Hamdan Daglo.

The Ilyushin Il-76 crash in North Darfur is more than just a tragic event. It reflects the complex and often dangerous entanglements that characterize the Sudanese conflict. The role of external powers such as the UAE, which fuel the conflict through secret air transport, must be critically examined. At the same time, the incident raises serious questions about coordination and communication within the RSF.

In a region already marked by violence and instability, this incident could further escalate the situation. The international community should closely monitor and intervene if necessary to minimize the bloodshed and help the affected civilians.