Havoc Rains Down on Port Sudan: Civilian Haven Under Siege

The Rapid Support Forces' drone assaults on Port Sudan signify a horrifying escalation in Sudan's ongoing civil war, affecting thousands of civilians seeking refuge.

In a grim turn of events, the once-safe oasis of Port Sudan, now the de facto capital amid Sudan's civil war, has endured a third consecutive day of drone strikes as violence spirals out of control. These attacks, attributed to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (R.S.F.), have targeted vital civilian infrastructure including a fuel depot, the airport, and a prominent hotel housing foreign diplomats.

Eyewitness accounts describe large plumes of dark smoke rising from the strategically important sites, sending shockwaves through the city. Khalid Ali Aleisir, Sudan’s minister of information, condemned the R.S.F. for what he termed “criminal and terrorist” actions while reassuring the public of the government's resolve to protect its citizens.

Despite the chaos and destruction, there have been no reported casualties thus far, and the R.S.F. has not claimed responsibility for the strikes. The drone attacks mark the first time Port Sudan has faced direct military aggression in the ongoing conflict that began in 2023 and has resulted in the deaths of around 15,000 individuals, with nearly 13 million more displaced.

The conflict saw its first drone attacks occur over the weekend when the R.S.F. targeted an air base and ammunition storage facility, escalating fears among civilians. Mohamed Ahmed, who fled the ravaged city of Khartoum, expressed his despair over the encroaching violence while vowing to protect his family at all costs.

Port Sudan has become a crucial hub for humanitarian aid delivery, especially as famine grips the region amidst widespread fighting. The African Union, expressing concern over the violence, issued a statement labeling the escalation a dire threat to civilian lives and humanitarian efforts in the area.

Reports from the scene highlight the precarious situation facing civilians, who have already endured unbearable hardships in their flight from conflict. The ongoing drone attacks amplify fears of a deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Sudan and underline the urgent need for international intervention and assistance.