UN experts confirm Boeing 727s linked to U.S. contractor transported weapons for Sudan's paramilitary forces

A draft UN report reveals that Boeing 727s linked to U.S. contractor Steven Shaulis transported weapons, drones, and mercenaries for Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The aircraft allegedly took deliberate steps to avoid flight tracking while operating out of Chad. Additionally, the report details that 1,500 to 2,000 Colombian mercenaries, hired via a UAE-based firm, supported the RSF during the siege of al-Fashir, where the RSF is accused of committing genocide.

Boeing 727s RSF weapons transport

• ▪The United Nations Panel of Experts on the Sudan received information from four sources, including two eyewitnesses in Nyala and communications from two member states, regarding the weapons transport.
• ▪A draft United Nations report scheduled for publication in September 2026 states that Boeing 727s transported mercenaries, weapons, and drones for Sudan's Rapid Support Forces.

U.S. contractor aircraft ownership

• ▪A July 15, 2026 Reuters investigation traced three Boeing aircraft linked to Steven Shaulis from Chad to logistics hubs used by the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan, Libya, and Somalia.
• ▪Steven Shaulis, a former U.S. Army Special Forces soldier and government contractor, and Craig Munro are joint owners of Contractor Airways, which purchased two Boeing 727s from Kalitta Charters II.
• ▪Craig Munro stated that Contractor Airways has never had any connection to the Rapid Support Forces and denied that the aircraft landed in Nyala and Kufrah.

Flight detection avoidance tactics

• ▪The United Nations panel suspects the Boeing 727s took deliberate steps to avoid detection while in flight, as no movements were logged after their arrival in N'Djamena.
• ▪Reuters tracked the Boeing aircraft using satellite imagery, cell phone data, and open-source video, finding no records on independent flight trackers.

Chad airport operations

• ▪Three Boeing 727s appeared in Chad starting in November 2024 and operated out of the military apron of N'Djamena's airport.
• ▪Chad's Civil Aviation Authority stated that none of the Boeing aircraft had authorization to operate from Chad, noting it does not manage military aviation.

Colombian mercenaries in Darfur

• ▪United Nations investigators detailed that between 1,500 and 2,000 Colombian mercenaries, known as the Desert Wolves, were hired by UAE-based Global Security Services Group to support the Rapid Support Forces.
• ▪The Colombian mercenaries established a base in Nyala in March 2025 and participated in the siege and capture of al-Fashir in October 2025.
• ▪A spokesperson for the United Arab Emirates mission to the United Nations stated that UAE authorities investigated Global Security Services Group and found no involvement in mercenary activity.

Sudan Darfur genocide

• ▪United Nations investigators have accused the Rapid Support Forces of committing genocide in Sudan's Darfur region.
• ▪During the Rapid Support Forces assault on al-Fashir in 2025, hundreds of unarmed men were killed, women were raped, and children were abducted.