Gen. Kabroun tells Arab News claims that army hid weapons in humanitarian shipment are ‘completely false’ and a bid to cover up ‘militia crime’
RIYADH – Sudan’s defense minister has categorically denied reports attributed to the country’s intelligence service alleging that a convoy struck in North Kordofan was secretly transporting weapons under the guise of humanitarian aid—dismissing the document as fabricated and politically motivated.
Gen. Hassan Kabroun told Arab News that the claims are an attempt to divert attention from what he termed a “heinous crime” committed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The controversy follows news reports citing a document purportedly from Sudan’s General Intelligence Service, which claimed the convoy targeted in Al-Rahad on Friday was carrying “high-quality weapons and ammunition” for Sudanese Armed Forces units. The document allegedly stated the convoy was classified as humanitarian to secure safe passage, and that the RSF destroyed it after tracking its route and cargo.
Kabroun rejected the narrative outright.
“First of all, we would like to stress the fact that this news is false,” he said. “Even the headline that talks about the security of the regions, such as Al-Dabbah, is not a headline the army would use.”
He described the document as a fabrication designed to “cover up the heinous crime they committed.”
‘Army Does Not Need Camouflage’
The minister emphasised that the area targeted by drones remains under full control of the Sudanese Armed Forces and requires no covert military logistics.
“The region that was targeted by drones is controlled by the army and very safe,” Kabroun said. “It does not require transporting any military equipment using aid convoys as decoys because it is a safe area controlled by the army, which has significant capabilities to transport humanitarian aid.”
He stressed that the military maintains clear separation between combat operations and relief efforts.
“Aid is transported by dedicated relief vehicles to the areas in need of this assistance,” he said. “Aid is not transported by the army. The army and security apparatus do not interfere with relief efforts at all, and do not even accompany the convoys.”
Kabroun further pointed to open supply routes as evidence.
“The road between Dalang and Kadugli is open. The Sudanese forces used that road to enter and take control of the region. The road is open and whenever military trucks need to deliver anything, they can do so without resorting to any form of camouflage.”
Intelligence Document Dismissed
The alleged intelligence report suggested that RSF monitoring enabled a precision strike on what it described as a military convoy disguised as humanitarian aid. Kabroun dismissed this as a smokescreen.
“The intelligence agency is well aware of its duties,” he said. “The Sudanese Army has enough weapons and equipment to use in the areas of operations. These claims are completely false.”
He argued the narrative seeks to shift blame for attacks on civilian infrastructure and humanitarian movements.
“This shows that they are trying to cover up the atrocities,” he added, referring to the RSF.
Context
Sudan has been engulfed in conflict since April 2023, when fighting erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. The United Nations describes the crisis as one of the world’s worst humanitarian disasters.
The convoy dispute comes amid intensified fighting in South Kordofan, a strategically sensitive region linking central Sudan with Darfur and Blue Nile.
Kabroun maintained that the army is operating professionally and transparently.
“The region is secure, the roads are open, and the army does not need camouflage,” he said. “We are operating professionally and transparently.”
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