Smoke rises as clashes continue between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), in Khartoum, Sudan on May 1, 2023 [Ahmed Satti/Anadolu Agency]
An Israeli military expert identified as Meir Cohen is reportedly working with Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Nyala, South Darfur, to develop the group’s aerial, intelligence and electronic warfare capabilities, according to field sources cited in a report published Wednesday.
The sources said Cohen has been assigned technical and military responsibilities, including training RSF personnel in drone operations, strengthening air defence systems and overseeing the construction of ground fortifications.
His reported duties also include establishing and maintaining communications infrastructure, electronic jamming equipment, navigation systems and air traffic control capabilities.
According to the sources, Cohen previously lived in Ethiopia, where he worked within the country’s air defence apparatus, specialising in modern air defence systems, communications technology and unmanned aerial vehicles.
He reportedly arrived in Nyala in May 2026 and subsequently held meetings with senior RSF commanders to coordinate technical training and military development activities.
The sources said his work has focused on expanding the RSF’s use of drones, improving intelligence capabilities and strengthening defensive infrastructure.
Cohen has also reportedly trained RSF personnel to operate strategic drones and supported efforts to increase their deployment in offensive military operations.
Additional responsibilities reportedly include preparing drone hangars at the Kashlango camp, east of Nyala Airport, and supervising the installation and maintenance of communications and electronic jamming systems.
The report also stated that Cohen uses prosthetic limbs after losing a foot to an injury sustained during a war in Lebanon.
READ: Ethiopia expels six Sudanese diplomats amid accusations of RSF support
The claims concerning Cohen’s presence in Sudan, his previous employment and his reported military activities were attributed to unnamed field sources. The report did not provide independent confirmation of his role or details of any official arrangement with the RSF.
An Israeli military expert identified as Meir Cohen is reportedly working with Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Nyala, South Darfur, to develop the group’s aerial, intelligence and electronic warfare capabilities, according to field sources cited in a report published Wednesday.
The sources said Cohen has been assigned technical and military responsibilities, including training RSF personnel in drone operations, strengthening air defence systems and overseeing the construction of ground fortifications.
His reported duties also include establishing and maintaining communications infrastructure, electronic jamming equipment, navigation systems and air traffic control capabilities.
According to the sources, Cohen previously lived in Ethiopia, where he worked within the country’s air defence apparatus, specializing in modern air defence systems, communications technology and unmanned aerial vehicles.
He reportedly arrived in Nyala in May 2026 and subsequently held meetings with senior RSF commanders to coordinate technical training and military development activities.
The sources said his work has focused on expanding the RSF’s use of drones, improving intelligence capabilities and strengthening defensive infrastructure.
Cohen has also reportedly trained RSF personnel to operate strategic drones and supported efforts to increase their deployment in offensive military operations.
Additional responsibilities reportedly include preparing drone hangars at the Kashlango camp, east of Nyala Airport, and supervising the installation and maintenance of communications and electronic jamming systems.
The report also stated that Cohen uses prosthetic limbs after losing a foot to an injury sustained during a war in Lebanon.
The claims concerning Cohen’s presence in Sudan, his previous employment and his reported military activities were attributed to unnamed field sources. The report did not provide independent confirmation of his role or details of any official arrangement with the RSF.
Podcast by Jasim Al-Azzawi with Michael Ratney: Yemen, the most Difficult and Confounding Nut to Crack
The Israeli and US elections and the future of the war on Iran
A Nuclear Strike on Iran Would Poison the Region It Claims to Protect
Texas’s Political Earthquake: What It Means for Global Energy
Israeli expert reportedly training Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces in drone and air defence operations
