In brief
As conflict intensifies, the Rapid Support Forces have launched drone strikes in Port Sudan, targeting civilian facilities, and raising alarms about the implications for humanitarian efforts and regional stability.
Large clouds of black smoke permeated the sky over Port Sudan, the de facto wartime capital of Sudan, as drone attacks continued for the third day, bringing fear and destruction to a city previously viewed as a safe haven for civilians escaping the violent civil war. The assaults, carried out by the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (R.S.F.), have struck critical facilities such as the airport and a local hospital.Eyewitnesses reported that on Tuesday, drones targeted a fuel depot adjacent to the port and airport, shaking the city and leaving streets empty. Khalid Ali Aleisir, the Sudanese minister of information, condemned the R.S.F. in a social media statement, labeling the attacks as a “criminal and terrorist act.” He reassured the public of the dedication of civil defense forces and security agencies to uphold safety and maintain public morale amidst the turmoil.Among the struck locations was the upscale Marina Hotel, reportedly housing diplomats, which lies in proximity to government offices. Thankfully, no casualties have yet been reported, and the R.S.F. has not claimed responsibility for any of the assaults. This series of attacks marks the R.S.F.'s first foray into Port Sudan since the onset of war in 2023, escalating already heightened tensions. The ongoing conflict has claimed approximately 15,000 lives and displaced nearly 13 million people. Initial strikes on Sunday targeted military installations, with drone capabilities allowing the R.S.F. to hit targets from great distances, thereby threatening both military and civilian infrastructure.Local residents like Mohamed Ahmed, who fled Khartoum when violence erupted, expressed deep concern for their safety and the damage being incurred on their nation. “I will not be displaced for another time,” Ahmed stated, indicating he may seek alternative shelter for his family should the conflict worsen.Port Sudan became a refuge for thousands as fighting raged in Khartoum, which has seen its urban environment trashed amidst the clash between the military and paramilitary factions. Humanitarian groups, facing restricted access to conflict zones, have relied on Port Sudan as a base for relief operations, but the recent violence jeopardizes these efforts.The African Union has vocalized apprehension over the situation, labeling the attacks a dangerous escalation in the conflict, posing a direct threat to civilian lives and humanitarian aid access. As the situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate, the plight of the displaced and the increased desperation among civilians remain grave concerns.
