Multiple drone strikes, allegedly perpetrated by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), targeted the Merowe Dam power station in northern Sudan early Monday, leading to widespread power outages in various states.
Eyewitnesses and sources reported that the attacks, which occurred in the early hours, damaged a critical transformer at the facility. While ground defences managed to intercept several drones, some penetrated the defence system, causing a fire and disrupting electricity supply.
The Sudanese army’s 19th Infantry Division, stationed in Merowe, confirmed the attacks, acknowledging “some losses” while highlighting the successful interception of a number of the drones.
The power outages impacted key cities, including Port Sudan, Omdurman, Atbara, and Shendi. Merowe Dam power station is a vital facility, supplying approximately 40% of Sudan’s electricity.
Civil defence teams responded swiftly to extinguish the fire, and maintenance crews are actively working to restore power. However, the scale of the damage has raised concerns about prolonged disruptions, particularly given the dam’s importance to Sudan’s power grid.
This incident comes shortly after a similar drone attack last week, which inflicted partial damage on the Merowe electricity transformer station, causing outages in the Northern State that lasted several days.
The RSF has reportedly escalated its use of drone strikes in the Northern and River Nile states since November, targeting infrastructure such as airports in Atbara and Merowe, which the group alleges are being utilised for military purposes.
