Sudanese military aircraft grounded at Yemen airport

The crew of a Sudanese military aircraft stranded in Aden International Airport in Yemen called on the Southern Resistance fighters and the Yemeni authorities and to help them leave the country.

The aircraft arrived at the Aden airport last Tuesday after having transported a number of wounded Yemenis from the southern part of the country. It was scheduled to return to Sudan on Wednesday, but because to the delayed arrival of fuel, its departure was postponed.

The pilot told the Yemeni electronic newspaper El Ghad that militants halted the transport of fuel to the airport. He appealed in particular to the Resistance leaders to allow the delivery of fuel to the airport.

Military cooperation

Late March, Sudan joined Saudi Arabia’s military campaign against the Shiite Houthi rebels in Yemen by sending fighter jets. The decision to participate in the campaign was based on “the historical close ties” between Sudan and Saudi Arabia, and “the danger that threatens all of the region and Saudi Arabia specifically”, Ali Karti, then Foreign Affairs Minister, told Sudan News Agency.

Analysts said at the time that Sudan’s involvement in Yemen showed a shift of allegiances toward the Gulf Arab countries, which could bring economic rewards.

Since the operation in Yemen began, El Riyadh has pledged fresh investments in Sudan’s agricultural sector. In July and August, the Central Bank of Sudan reportedly received a total of $1 billion from Saudi Arabia. According to Khartoum, the economic assistance is not linked to its military support.