A spokesperson for the Sudanese Armed Forces, or SAF, blamed Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates for drone attacks on Khartoum, noting that the drone had been identified as Emirati property and launched from Ethiopia's Bahir Dar airport, Sudan Tribune reported on May 5. The SAF recalled its ambassador to Ethiopia and said it reserved the right to respond "at a time and place of its choosing."

The SAF's accusations come as the RSF has made gradual gains in Blue Nile state over recent months, with Ethiopian logistical assistance most likely playing an important role in the RSF's advances. It also comes as the SAF is building ever-closer ties to Egypt and Eritrea, Ethiopia's two arch-rivals in the region.