Russian Crew Reportedly Killed as Sudan’s RSF Shoots Down Military Il-76 Transport

Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) claimed responsibility for shooting down a Sudanese Air Force Il-76 Candid transport plane near the western town of Babanusa on November 4, reportedly killing everyone on board, Defence Blog reported on November 5.

Video footage released by the RSF on social media shows the wreckage of a large white aircraft with a distinct tail section consistent with the Il-76’s design.

The aircraft, used by the Sudanese Air Force to ferry troops, equipment, and supplies across the country, reportedly went down amid ongoing battles between the paramilitary RSF and Sudan’s regular army.

According to Russian military-linked Telegram channels, the aircraft was operated by a Russian civilian crew working under contract.

Russian sources claimed the plane had been purchased in Kyrgyzstan roughly six weeks ago for $12 million, adding, “The crew was Russian citizens. There is no verified information about their fate.”

Clash Report suggested the RSF used a Chinese-made FK-2000 air defense system supplied by the United Arab Emirates to bring down the Il-76. Neither the RSF nor Sudan’s military has officially confirmed which weapon was used.

The town of Babanusa, located in West Kordofan, sits along a crucial transportation corridor linking Khartoum with Sudan’s southern regions. Control of these routes has been a central focus in the conflict, which has now raged for more than a year and displaced millions.

Earlier, reports emerged that Russia was financing both sides of Sudan’s civil conflict to further its political and economic goals.

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