In brief
A military plane crash in Khartoum has tragically claimed at least 46 lives, as reported by local officials, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian crisis due to ongoing civil war in Sudan.
On February 26, 2025, at 10:32 a.m. ET, a military cargo aircraft, specifically an Antonov model, crashed in a residential area of Sudan’s capital, resulting in significant casualties and injuries. The crash occurred while taking off from the Wadi Seidna air base, which is located just outside Khartoum. Local government officials confirmed the death toll included both passengers aboard the plane and civilians on the ground.The Sudanese military has yet to provide specific details regarding the causes of the crash or the identities of the deceased. At least 10 additional individuals were reported injured, including two children, in the Al-Thawra neighborhood where the crash occurred.This unfortunate event marks one of the deadliest aviation mishaps in Sudan's recent history, amidst nearly three years of civil unrest that have left the region devastated. The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced approximately 11 million people.The escalating clashes have led to further turmoil in Khartoum, leaving city structures in ruins. Reports from humanitarian agencies indicate that nearly half of Sudan's population—around 24.6 million people—are now increasingly at risk of food shortages.In recent weeks, violence has surged again, with the RSF claiming responsibility for shooting down another military aircraft in South Darfur, although the military has refrained from commenting on this assertion. The air base from which the Antonov plane launched serves as a crucial logistical point for military operations, including cargo flights and drone launches aimed at combating RSF fighters who hold key positions within the city.Historically, Sudan has experienced numerous deadly aviation incidents, including crashes of military and commercial airlines. The crisis continues to unfold, reflecting the urgent humanitarian needs that pile upon the country as the war rages.
