Munition remnants pictured at the site of a strike that killed at least 17 people in the town of Tiné, Chad, last week appear to match a weapon previously used by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the war with Sudanese government forces – despite RSF denials of involvement in the incident.
Photographs showed what appeared to be a match for the rear control section of a Chinese-made GB25A or GB50A bomb, which can be dropped by Chinese-made drones. Amnesty International previously identified a GB50A used by the RSF that it said had “almost certainly” been re-exported to the group by the UAE.
The first photographs of the remnants were posted by Chad’s by ATPE CHAD publication, which reported a public prosecutor had visited the site of impact.
A separate set of photographs showing even clearer visuals of the remnants was subsequently shared by the N’Djamena-based broadcaster MRTV. It’s Facebook page showed Chadian soldiers standing beside the remnants.
Images were also posted by posted on Facebook by the Department of Public Safety and Immigration in Chad.
By using the time displayed on a watch worn by an official in one of the pictures it was possible to estimate that the images were likely taken in the late afternoon. By comparing this with solar data, the shadows visible in the photos and other visual details, it was then possible to infer the approximate layout of nearby buildings and the distribution of trees where the remnants were found.
With this information, and using satellite imagery, we then geolocated the photos to the northwest of the Bir Tine neighbourhood, just 650 metres from the border with the Western Darfur region of Sudan that is largely controlled by the RSF.
Remnants from the control sections of other GB25A or GB50A bombs have previously been found after RSF attacks in Sudan, including attacks on Kassala Airport and Coral Marina Hotel in Port Sudan (as seen in the images below).
BBC News reported that the RSF is suspected of carrying out the attack.
However, the RSF has denied any involvement and blamed Sudan’s army, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). The SAF has in turn said the RSF was responsible. Chad’s president on Thursday ordered the military to retaliate against future attacks from Sudan.
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RSF spokesperson Al-Fateh Qurashi told Bellingcat via WhatsApp: “Our forces are not responsible for any targeting of neighboring Chad, and we have no connection to this targeting.” Qurashi instead blamed forces aligned with the Sudanese government over the strike.
Imran Abdullah, an adviser to the RSF commander, told Bellingcat via WhatsApp that satellite imagery tracked the drone and that it belonged to the forces aligned with the Sudanese government. However, Abdullah refused to share the imagery he referred to saying: “It can be published if an independent international commission of inquiry is in place.”
The SAF are not known to use any Chinese-made drones or bombs, like the GB25A or GB50A. The SAF has been observed using Turkish and Iranian made drones and munitions such as the MAM-L bomb.
Bellingcat sought comment on the use of these weapons from the Chinese manufacturer, Norinco, as well as the UAE given Amnesty’s previous reports about how a GB50A was used by the RSF after “almost certainly” being re-exported to Sudan. Neither responded prior to publication.
The conflict has previously spilled over the border into Chad. Reuters reported last month the country closed its border with Sudan after five Chadian soldiers were killed following clashes in Tiné between the RSF and militia fighters loyal to the Sudanese government.
Ziyu Wan and Riccardo Giannardi contributed from Bellingcat’s volunteer community.
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Facts Only
A strike occurred in Tiné, Chad, killing at least 17 people last week
The remnants found at the site appear to match those of a GB25A or GB50A bomb
These bombs can be dropped by Chinese-made drones
RSF has previously used such bombs in Sudan
Images were shared by Chad's ATPE CHAD publication, MRTV, and the Department of Public Safety and Immigration in Chad
The conflict between RSF and Sudanese government forces has spilled over the border into Chad
Executive Summary
Full Take
The use of Chinese-made bombs in Tiné raises concerns about potential involvement of Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the incident, despite their denials. The presence of these remnants at the site and their similarity to those found after previous RSF attacks in Sudan strengthens this suspicion. However, it is important to acknowledge the ongoing dispute between RSF and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) over responsibility for the strike, with both parties blaming each other. Furthermore, the geolocation of the remnants being just 650 meters from the border with the Western Darfur region of Sudan largely controlled by the RSF adds to the complexity of the situation.
Patterns detected: ARC-0043 Motte-and-Bailey (RSF denying involvement while potentially using such weapons), ARC-0024 Ambiguity (unclear responsibility for the strike).
In terms of implications, if RSF is indeed found to be responsible for this attack, it would further strain relations between Sudan and Chad. The use of these bombs could also raise questions about international arms sales and their potential misuse in conflict zones. It is crucial for independent investigations to be carried out to establish the truth and hold those responsible accountable.
Sentinel — Human
The article exhibits human characteristics, such as unique writing style and idiosyncratic emphasis, with no clear signs of being synthetic.