On Tuesday, Sudan’s Security and Defense Council announced the severing of diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates, declaring it a “hostile state” and withdrawing its embassy and consulate.

The statement accused the UAE of supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan in their ongoing conflict since April 2023, a claim that the UAE has repeatedly denied.

The council affirmed that Sudan reserves the right to respond to aggression to maintain its sovereignty.

This decision comes amid explosions and fires targeting the city’s airport and port in Port Sudan, leading to the evacuation of the airport and the cancellation of several flights.