Egypt condemned the drone strikes on Khartoum Airport that occurred on Tuesday morning, describing the attacks as a serious violation of Sudan’s sovereignty and a threat to civilian infrastructure. In a statement issued hours after the incident, Cairo warned that the escalation risks further complicating the humanitarian and security crisis in Sudan, hindering efforts to achieve a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict.

While the Egyptian government refrained from explicitly naming Ethiopia as the source of the drone launches, the statement expressed concern over an increase in attacks reportedly originating from a neighboring country. Egypt cautioned that such developments could expand the scope of the conflict, undermine ongoing US and Quad-led mediation efforts, and impede a political resolution free from foreign interference.

Sudan has publicly blamed Ethiopia for facilitating the attacks, with Sudanese Foreign Minister Moheiddin Salem asserting at a press conference that conclusive evidence shows the drones were launched from Ethiopian territory—a country Sudan had considered a “sisterly” nation. The Sudanese government also alleges involvement by the United Arab Emirates, though Egypt has not referenced the UAE in its statements. The drone strikes partially triggered Sudanese air-defense responses and temporarily halted flights at Khartoum Airport before operations resumed later that day.

Two Egyptian government officials, speaking anonymously on Tuesday afternoon, confirmed that Egypt is actively engaging with Sudan in political and humanitarian solidarity, while indicating that further support measures are under consideration. One official emphasized Sudan’s significance as a national security priority for Egypt, affirming Cairo’s readiness to act according to the special relationship between the two countries.

Since the outbreak of fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023, Egypt has worked to promote a swift peaceful resolution through bilateral talks and multilateral forums, including the Quad grouping with the United States, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. Egyptian sources suggest that the SAF has shown constructive engagement with peace efforts, contrasting with what they describe as the RSF’s resistance to mediation. The RSF and SAF, former allies following the 2019 removal of Sudan’s former president Omar Al-Bashir, split largely due to external interference, according to Egyptian analysis.

Egyptian officials maintain that Cairo’s support for the SAF aligns with its policy of backing established state institutions. They further link Ethiopia’s alleged role in exacerbating the Sudan conflict to broader tensions, particularly regarding Ethiopia’s lack of cooperation over the operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). One Egyptian official described Ethiopia’s actions in Sudan as part of a broader antagonistic stance toward Egypt, signaling that Cairo is evaluating its response.

Political analyst Hani Al-Assar noted that Sudan is considered a core Egyptian national security interest, meaning attacks on Sudan are also perceived as threats to Egypt’s security. He suggested Egypt has long sought diplomatic engagement with Ethiopia but that persistent antagonism may compel Cairo to take decisive measures.

Meanwhile, Egyptian authorities are reportedly in communication with Sudanese officials and interlocutors in the region and beyond, aiming to curb the conflict and apply pressure on actors perceived as obstructing peace in Sudan.