Sudanese paramilitary carries out drone assaults on war-torn capital city
In the tumultuous landscape of Sudan, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have ramped up their attacks with a series of drone strikes over the past few days. These assaults, most recently hitting Port Sudan's airport, have significantly amplified the ongoing conflict with the government-backed troops[1].
Recently, Port Sudan has found itself in the crosshairs of these aerial attacks for the second time this week. As a haven for those fleeing the two-year-long war in Sudan, the city has suffered from this escalation, with the latest attacks threatening the city's vital infrastructure[1].
The aftermath of these strikes paints a grim picture, as raging fires and thick plumes of black smoke engulf the sky. The extent of the damages and the potential casualties are still shrouded in uncertainty[1].
Initially striking Port Sudan at dawn on Tuesday, the RSF drones hit the city's port. Sudan's Information Minister, Khalid Aleiser, visited the scene, confirming that fuel tanks were among the targets[1].
These attacks have caused disruptions to air traffic at Port Sudan's airport, with three flights from Cairo being cancelled on Tuesday. The city's main airport has served as a significant entry point to the country and a sanctuary for refugees since the conflict erupted[1].
Unfortunately, Port Sudan isn't a stranger to recent drone attacks; it experienced a strike just two days prior, which also disrupted air traffic[1].
Located approximately 800km east of the capital, Khartoum, Port Sudan initially bore the brunt of the fighting between the RSF and the government-aligned troops. Over time, however, the conflict spread to other parts of the country[1].
Despite the ongoing chaos, Port Sudan has played host to many civilians seeking refuge from the conflict, as well as various aid missions and UN agencies[1].
It's crucial to note that the RSF is supported by the United Arab Emirates, believed to have provided weapons including drones to the militia[1]. However, the UAE denies this accusation.
The Sudanese military-allied government is supported by Egypt. The tension between the military and RSF escalated into an all-out war in April 2023, causing the death of at least 24,000 people and forcing over 13 million to flee their homes, with millions seeking refuge in neighboring countries[1].
[1] - Sources: UN experts, Sudanese military officials, and various news agencies' reports.
- Escalating the ongoing war-and-conflicts in Sudan, the RSF have launched a series of drone attacks on Port Sudan, particularly targeting the city's airport, causing disruptions to air traffic.
- The RSF's latest drone attack on Port Sudan, which took place on Wednesday, has amplified the damages from the two-year-long war, threatening the city's vital infrastructure and endangering civilians.
- The incident in Port Sudan is a part of the broader context of politics and crime-and-justice, as the RSF, backed by the United Arab Emirates, clashes with the government-aligned troops, resulting in considerable casualties and displacement of people.
- The significance of Port Sudan as a sanctuary for refugees and a critical entry point to the country has made it a target for repeated aerial attacks, with two strikes taking place in the last two days alone.
- The recent drone attacks on Port Sudan have seriously impacted general news, as the city struggles to recover from the aftermath of these strikes and confronts the challenges arising from the war's escalation.
