The conflict in Sudan continues to escalate, marked by renewed bombardment and strategic shifts on the ground. The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announced it had shot down a military drone over Nyala, the capital of South Darfur, amidst a fourth consecutive day of intense shelling in the city. RSF field commanders released videos on Wednesday, showcasing what they claimed to be the wreckage of a Turkish-made "Bayraktar Akinci" drone in the Dama area north of Nyala, though this claim could not be independently verified.

Residents of northern Nyala reported fresh drone strikes on Wednesday morning, with witnesses hearing multiple explosions throughout the day. These attacks follow previous incidents on Sunday and Monday, where drones reportedly hit houses and warehouses. Significantly, RSF leaders are said to have narrowly survived a drone attack on their meeting headquarters shortly after gathering. Nyala, which serves as the administrative center for the RSF-aligned Sudan Founding Alliance (Tasees), has been a frequent target of drone attacks, impacting military sites, markets, residential areas, and civilian infrastructure.

The use of drones extends beyond Nyala. Residents in Mellit locality in North Darfur also reported drone strikes on Tuesday, targeting the south-western and north-eastern outskirts of the town. Fortunately, no civilian casualties were recorded in Mellit. These incidents highlight a growing concern over the deployment of drones in Sudan's conflict. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, recently revealed that drone attacks were responsible for at least 880 civilian deaths between January and April, constituting over 80 percent of all conflict-related civilian fatalities during that period.

In a separate development, the RSF declared it had successfully regained control of the strategically vital Mogja area in Blue Nile state. This recapture comes three weeks after the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) had seized the territory. RSF commanders broadcast videos from Mogja, asserting their control and pledging further advances. Military analysts underscore Mogja's importance, noting its position as the southern gateway to Ed Damazin and its proximity to the security zone surrounding the Roseires Dam, Sudan's largest hydroelectric facility. The fighting in the area coincided with a visit by SAF's Lt Gen Yasir El Atta to the Fourth Infantry Division in Ed Damazin, where he commended the troops for their readiness and recent military successes.