UAE Cargo Flights Reveal RSF Supply Network via Ethiopia, Israel

Flight-tracking data analyzed by a Middle East Eye (MEE) exclusive story points to a concentrated pattern of heavy-lift cargo movements linking the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Ethiopia, Israel, and Bahrain, intersecting directly with the war in Sudan and a widening Saudi Arabia-UAE rivalry.

At the center is an Antonov AN-124 cargo aircraft, tail number UR-ZYD, operated by Abu Dhabi-based Maximus Air. Between 28 December and 17 January, the aircraft conducted at least six confirmed sorties involving military airbases, including Al Dhafra in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain, Ovda Air Base in Israel, and Harar Meda, the main Ethiopian Air Force base.

The AN-124, capable of transporting 18 military vehicles or multiple helicopters in a single load, has previously been cited by a 2021 UN Panel of Experts for alleged sanctions violations in Libya. That panel identified UR-ZYD as part of a covert Emirati “airbridge” supplying forces aligned with Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar, who now backs Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that are accused of committing wide spread massacre in Sudan. The panel named Mohammed bin Zayed as the aircraft’s beneficial owner, a claim the UAE denied “in its entirety.”

“A Global Concern”

Middle East Eye’s data shows that on 3 January, UR-ZYD flew from Abu Dhabi International Airport to Harar Meda, landing at 9.12 am local time and departing less than 2 hours later. Similar round trips followed on 12 and 15 January, including departures from Al Dhafra military base. On 17 January, the aircraft again landed at Harar Meda before continuing to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, then onward to Marseille, Taraz (Kazakhstan), Guangzhou, and U-Tapao (Thailand) within 48 hours.

Nathaniel Raymond, executive director of Yale’s Humanitarian Research Lab, said: “Evidence that an AN-124, given the significant cargo capacity of this particular airframe, has been making repeated sorties between Abu Dhabi and this airfield… should be of global concern.” He added that if the flights were linked to RSF resupply, “it is incumbent on Ethiopia to… block the access of UAE and its proxies to Ethiopian airspace immediately.”

Saudi Leverage, Ethiopian Alignment

These movements coincide with Saudi Arabia stepping up military backing for Sudan’s Armed Forces (SAF), alongside Egypt and Türkiye, while pressuring Emirati-aligned networks. Pakistani officials told Reuters that talks are advanced on a $1.5 bn defense package for the SAF, including JF-17 Block III fighters, K-8 aircraft, and more than 200 drones.

Analyst Jalel Harchaoui told MEE that Saudi Arabia’s “victory over the UAE in Yemen late last year” has strengthened Riyadh’s position, forcing Abu Dhabi to consolidate operations elsewhere. Ethiopia, he said, “will stick with the UAE,” becoming central after the UAE’s withdrawal from Bosaso and uncertainty at Berbera following Somalia’s cancellation of Emirati agreements.

A former Ethiopian government adviser said Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali “certainly seems to see the future as Ethiopia aligning itself firmly with the UAE alliance,” adding that Abu Dhabi has influenced Addis Ababa’s stance toward Sudan and Eritrea’s Assab port for nearly two years.

RSF Networks And Political Claims

RSF sustains combat power through a layered mercenary system involving cross-border recruitment, foreign specialists, and flexible logistics hubs in Ethiopia, Chad, and eastern Libya.

Sudanese intelligence sources cited by MEE said the RSF recently acquired at least six fighter jets, including SU-24s and MiG-25s, transported in dismantled form via cargo aircraft.

Political claims surrounding UAE intent have intensified. In December 2025, Former Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki said “For me, he is Israel’s cat’s paw. He doesn’t act on his own,” describing Mohammed bin Zayed as backing counter-revolutionary forces “primarily in defense of Israel.” The UAE has not responded to that allegation.

In November, UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash said “The UAE announced $100 million in support, mainly for humanitarian aid in Sudan, delivered through our hospitals in Chad and South Sudan.”

However, investigators note allegations that humanitarian infrastructure, including a Red Crescent hospital near the Chad-Sudan border, has been used as cover for RSF support, claims the UAE denies.