Violence in Sudan’s civil war has escalated dramatically as drone attacks target civilian facilities in Port Sudan, shaking the city that had provided shelter for thousands fleeing the conflict.
Drone Strikes Shake Port Sudan as Civil War Escalates
Drone Strikes Shake Port Sudan as Civil War Escalates
Port Sudan, once a refuge for fleeing civilians, comes under drone attack as tensions rise in the ongoing conflict.
Large clouds of black smoke darkened the skies over Port Sudan on Tuesday, a city that had been a sanctuary for civilians escaping the civil war. The Rapid Support Forces (R.S.F.), a Sudanese paramilitary group, intensified its offensive by launching drone attacks targeting critical civilian infrastructure, including a fuel depot and the area’s airport.
Eyewitness accounts confirmed that drones struck a fuel depot and the nearby airport, instilling fear and leading to desolate streets. Khalid Ali Aleisir, the Sudanese minister of information, condemned the assault, denouncing it as a “criminal and terrorist attack.” He vowed that security forces were committed to protecting the public, proclaiming that the will of the Sudanese people remains unwavering in the face of violence.
The R.S.F. also reportedly targeted the upscale Marina Hotel, where diplomats were staying, close to significant government sites. Thankfully, there have been no reported casualties, and the R.S.F. has yet to claim responsibility for the attacks.
The recent strikes mark the first incident of violence in Port Sudan since the outbreak of the civil war in 2023, intensifying an already brutal conflict that has claimed around 15,000 lives and displaced approximately 13 million people. Utilizing drones with striking capabilities on targets far away, the R.S.F. previously aimed at an airbase and ammunition depot, confirming that civilian facilities are caught in the crossfire.
Local resident Mohamed Ahmed shared his concerns, stating the smoke signals that violence is closing in on their temporary refuge. After fleeing Khartoum amidst the war, Ahmed remarked, “I will not be displaced for another time,” showcasing the grim reality facing many in the region.
With a growing famine resulting from the conflict and humanitarian groups struggling to access fighting zones, Port Sudan has remained pivotal as a base for deliverable aid. Meanwhile, the African Union expressed alarm over the escalating violence, viewing it as a direct threat to civilians, humanitarian efforts, and regional stability.
As the situation develops, the resilience of Port Sudan's civilians will be tested in the ongoing struggle for safety and security.
