Sudanese state television and military sources reported that the Sudanese army destroyed an Emirati aircraft carrying Colombian mercenaries during its landing at Nyala Airport in South Darfur. The attack reportedly resulted in the deaths of approximately 40 mercenaries. Following the incident, Sudan announced that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has barred Sudanese planes from landing at its airports. The Sudanese military has long accused Abu Dhabi of providing military support to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), allegations that the UAE denies. Sudan severed diplomatic relations with the UAE in May 2025, citing the Gulf nation's alleged supply of advanced weaponry to the RSF. The UAE has denied the claim that its aircraft was destroyed by Sudanese forces.