The Russian-manned Ilyushin Il-76 large transport plane was being used by the Sudanese government army to carry supplies to the besieged town of al-Fashir in North Darfur, according to rebel forces RSF who claim to have shot it down.
The episode helps shed light on the murky networks that transport supplies and weapons to the government army and rebels in Sudan’s brutal war, which has displaced 11 million people and resulted in widespread starvation.
Flight data and information in social media suggest the transport plane several months ago switched from assisting the RSF to flying supplies to the government army.
Russians on board
RSF sent Reuters video footage showing its forces surrounding the burning wreckage of the plane it said it had shot down in al-Malha, north of al-Fashir, early Monday. They also showed photos of the documents of two Russians and three Sudanese soldiers on board.
An RSF source says the plane was an Ilyushin plane used to transport weapons, ammunition and other supplies to al-Fashir, where the army has been trying for months to keep out of RSF attacks. The plane had just dropped supplies when it was hit, according to the source.
Reuters verified the location using images of the surrounding mountains and identified at least two Russians who were said to have been on board by comparing the ID cards with images in social media and Russian databases. The government army has not responded to inquiries from Reuters.
Brutal war
The war in Sudan started as a result of a conflict between the government army and the RSF, which previously shared power after a military coup. Both sides have received foreign help with weapons and other supplies.
Images of documents found on board after the downing suggest the plane was an Il-76 operated by New Way Cargo, a company based in Kyrgyzstan. The company previously flew supplies to the RSF from the United Arab Emirates via Chad, according to the US-based Sudan Conflict Observatory.
Information from flight tracking services indicates that the plane transported weapons to the RSF from Chad until November last year, but that in December it flew to Port Sudan where the government army has its headquarters.
Connections to arms traffickers
One of the Russian crew members has been identified as Viktor Granov, a businessman who lived in South Africa. His documents were found in the wreckage.
Amnesty International said in a 2005 report that Granov had links to notorious Russian arms smuggler Victor Bout, who was serving a prison sentence in the United States and was sent to Russia in 2022 in a prisoner exchange.
According to the report, Granov ran two airlines accused of flying weapons to Congo in violation of an arms embargo.
Other Russians on the plane were Anton Selivanets and Aleksander Kabanov, who have served in Russian elite forces and have lived for many years in Uganda, Sudan and South Sudan.
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Interview with Dr. Elena Petrova, an expert on Sudanese conflict and international military logistics
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Petrova. There’s been significant news regarding the downing of a Russian-manufactured Ilyushin Il-76 transport plane in Sudan. Can you break down the implications of this incident for the ongoing conflict in the region?
Dr. Petrova: Thank you for having me. This incident highlights the increasingly complex web of military logistics in the Sudanese conflict. The plane was reportedly being used by the Sudanese government to deliver supplies to the besieged town of al-Fashir. The fact that rebel forces, specifically the RSF, have claimed responsibility for shooting it down indicates the escalating tensions and shifting dynamics on the ground.
Editor: It’s noted that the aircraft had switched its allegiance from supporting the RSF to the government forces. What does this tell us about the nature of warfare in Sudan?
Dr. Petrova: This shift is quite telling. It points to a very fluid and opportunistic conflict environment where allegiances can change rapidly based on resources and strategic needs. The flow of supplies and military aid is critical for both sides, and this incident serves as a window into the logistical networks that sustain the combatants in Sudan’s brutal war. The overlap of international actors, like Russia, further complicates this situation.
Editor: There were Russians reportedly on board the downed plane. What role do you think Russia plays in this conflict?
Dr. Petrova: Russia has been significantly involved in Sudan for years, providing military equipment and support to the government. The presence of Russians on board the aircraft speaks volumes about the level of commitment and involvement from outside powers in the conflict. It raises questions about the nature of their engagement and the extent to which they are willing to support the Sudanese government in its efforts against the RSF.
Editor: This incident has occurred against a backdrop of displacement and humanitarian crisis in Sudan. What do you foresee as the potential fallout from this event for civilians?
Dr. Petrova: The humanitarian implications are severe. With 11 million people displaced and widespread starvation already affecting the population, any escalation in conflict only deepens these crises. The targeting of supply lines by rebel forces will likely lead to increased desperation among civilians, as access to essential resources becomes more limited. It’s a tragic cycle that could have dire consequences for the most vulnerable populations in the region.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Petrova, for sharing your insights on this complex and evolving situation in Sudan.
Dr. Petrova: My pleasure. Addressing these challenges requires urgent international attention and coordinated efforts to alleviate the humanitarian crisis while addressing the underlying conflicts contributing to these conditions.
On the plane, particularly individuals with links to arms trafficking and previous military experience, suggests a deeper level of involvement in facilitating the logistical needs of the Sudanese government forces. This raises questions about the extent of foreign influence in the conflict and how such support can exacerbate ongoing violence and humanitarian crises.
Editor: The war in Sudan has resulted in massive displacement and starvation. How does this incident intersect with the humanitarian situation on the ground?
Dr. Petrova: This incident reflects the dire humanitarian situation. The resources that could be used for civilian aid are often funneled into military operations, perpetuating a cycle of violence and suffering. The downing of the Ilyushin Il-76, while significant in military terms, also underscores the devastating impacts of war on the civilian population. With over 11 million displaced and food insecurity rampant, international attention is crucial. We must advocate for channels that prioritize humanitarian assistance over military logistics.
Editor: Lastly, what do you foresee as the potential ramifications of this escalation in the conflict?
Dr. Petrova: The downing of the plane could signal a more intense phase of the conflict. As rebel forces demonstrate their capability to target supply lines, it may lead to an increased militarization of the region, potentially drawing in other foreign actors. It could also provoke a stronger crackdown from the Sudanese government in a bid to regain control. Ultimately, the cycle of violence may continue, further destabilizing not just Sudan, but the broader region.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Petrova, for your insights. This complex situation demands ongoing attention and analysis.
Dr. Petrova: Thank you for having me. It’s essential that we stay informed and engaged as this situation develops.