The ongoing drone assaults by paramilitary forces have plunged Port Sudan into darkness, disrupting essential services and prompting international concern.
Paramilitary Drone Strikes Cause Power Outage in Port Sudan
Paramilitary Drone Strikes Cause Power Outage in Port Sudan
Attacks mark third consecutive day of violence in key Sudanese city as humanitarian crisis worsens.
In a troubling escalation of violence, drone strikes have devastated a major power station in the Sudanese city of Port Sudan, resulting in a "complete power outage," according to the national electricity provider. The attacks, which have targeted the city for three days in a row, have also led to significant explosions and fires near the primary international airport, forcing flights to be suspended.
Amidst the chaos, journalist Cristina Karrer described the scene, stating, "I see a huge cloud and fire going like all around the city... and I heard also now that they were like two more loud bangs. It looks quite apocalyptic." Thick black smoke enveloped the city at dawn, raising concerns for thousands of civilians who had fled the civil war for what was previously considered a safe haven.
On Tuesday, Sudan's electricity company began assessing the damage at its substation, which has resulted in knock-on effects for the supply of water, healthcare, and other vital services. Witnesses reported drone strikes hitting civilian areas of the Port Sudan airport, an army base, and a fuel depot situated in a densely populated district. Furthermore, a major hotel in the vicinity of army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan’s residence was also affected.
In response to the crisis, the United Nations has temporarily halted aid flights to the city, although regular aid activities continue unimpeded, according to UN deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq, who confirmed that their facilities remain unharmed. Sudan's government spokesman Khaled Al-Aiser assured the public that military forces were doing all they could to secure the impacted fuel depots, emphasizing the unyielding spirit of the Sudanese people.
The paramilitary group, known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has not commented on the drone strikes, but the Sudanese military has blamed them for the escalating violence that began on Sunday. The African Union has expressed deep concern, labeling the attacks a "dangerous escalation" in the civil war, which poses a significant threat to both civilian lives and regional stability.
Previously, Port Sudan had survived unscathed amid the chaos of the civil war, making this recent series of attacks particularly alarming. The ongoing conflict between the army and RSF has resulted in thousands of casualties and forced millions to flee their homes, constituting what the UN describes as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. Both factions have faced accusations of war crimes amid the turmoil.
Amidst the chaos, journalist Cristina Karrer described the scene, stating, "I see a huge cloud and fire going like all around the city... and I heard also now that they were like two more loud bangs. It looks quite apocalyptic." Thick black smoke enveloped the city at dawn, raising concerns for thousands of civilians who had fled the civil war for what was previously considered a safe haven.
On Tuesday, Sudan's electricity company began assessing the damage at its substation, which has resulted in knock-on effects for the supply of water, healthcare, and other vital services. Witnesses reported drone strikes hitting civilian areas of the Port Sudan airport, an army base, and a fuel depot situated in a densely populated district. Furthermore, a major hotel in the vicinity of army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan’s residence was also affected.
In response to the crisis, the United Nations has temporarily halted aid flights to the city, although regular aid activities continue unimpeded, according to UN deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq, who confirmed that their facilities remain unharmed. Sudan's government spokesman Khaled Al-Aiser assured the public that military forces were doing all they could to secure the impacted fuel depots, emphasizing the unyielding spirit of the Sudanese people.
The paramilitary group, known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has not commented on the drone strikes, but the Sudanese military has blamed them for the escalating violence that began on Sunday. The African Union has expressed deep concern, labeling the attacks a "dangerous escalation" in the civil war, which poses a significant threat to both civilian lives and regional stability.
Previously, Port Sudan had survived unscathed amid the chaos of the civil war, making this recent series of attacks particularly alarming. The ongoing conflict between the army and RSF has resulted in thousands of casualties and forced millions to flee their homes, constituting what the UN describes as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. Both factions have faced accusations of war crimes amid the turmoil.
