Port Sudan's Lights Go Dark Amid Intensifying Paramilitary Assault

Port Sudan suffers a complete power outage due to drone strikes on a major power station, as paramilitary forces escalate attacks on the city, impacting thousands of refugees and suspending aid operations.

In a devastating turn of events, Port Sudan has plunged into darkness following a series of drone strikes targeting key infrastructure, including a major power station. The Sudanese electricity provider reported a complete power outage, marking a significant setback for the city already grappling with the ongoing civil war.

Witnesses have described a scene of chaos, with explosions and fierce fires erupting near the city's main international airport over the last three days as paramilitary forces ramp up their assaults. Flights have been grounded after drones struck both the airport and a hotel adjacent to the presidential palace, according to reports. "It feels apocalyptic," said journalist Cristina Karrer, who witnessed the ominous clouds of smoke billowing above the city.

As the conflict intensifies, thousands of displaced persons who previously sought refuge in Port Sudan now face increased uncertainty. The Sudanese electricity company is currently assessing the damage caused to its facilities, with disruptions in critical services like water supply and healthcare already evident.

Drone strikes have primarily targeted civilian areas, with a recent explosion at a fuel depot reported in the heart of the city. Meanwhile, the United Nations has paused aid flights to Port Sudan, although standard operations remain intact as confirmed by UN deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq.

The military has accused the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group engaged in the civil conflict, of orchestrating these drone attacks, which began on Sunday. The RSF has yet to respond to these allegations but has increasingly turned to drone technology to regain territory lost to the army, especially since the latter secured control of Khartoum earlier this year.

The African Union issued a stark warning, labeling the assault on Port Sudan a "dangerous escalation" that poses a direct threat to civilians and humanitarian efforts in the region. The civil war between the Sudanese army and RSF has led to significant casualties and has displaced millions, creating what many are calling the worst humanitarian crisis in recent history. Both factions have faced accusations of committing war crimes throughout the conflict, further complicating the situation.