In brief
Port Sudan, once a refuge for civilians escaping the civil war, has come under devastating drone attacks by the Rapid Support Forces (R.S.F.), raising concerns over the safety of civilians and humanitarian access amidst increasing violence.
Large columns of black smoke emerged over Port Sudan's skyline on Tuesday as drone attacks targeted key civilian infrastructure, marking the third consecutive day of violence. The R.S.F., a paramilitary group, launched strikes on important facilities, including a fuel depot and the Marina Hotel, displacing the previously tranquil atmosphere of the city. This latest wave of aggression began on Sunday, propelling tensions in a conflict that has already claimed an estimated 15,000 lives and left nearly 13 million individuals displaced. Sudan's Minister of Information, Khalid Ali Aleisir, condemned the attacks as “criminal and terrorist” and reassured citizens that security forces were fulfilling their responsibilities to protect them. Despite his statements, the ramifications of the drone strikes have left the city eerily quiet, with streets mostly deserted as fear grips the population. Civilians like Mohamed Ahmed, who fled Khartoum, express deep concern about the persistent violence encroaching on their temporary refuge.The R.S.F. attacks have raised alarms within the African Union, which labeled the actions as a "dangerous escalation" that threatens both civilian lives and regional stability. Aid groups, facing significant obstacles in reaching conflict-ridden areas, have been using Port Sudan as a base for relief efforts aimed at the growing number of afflicted individuals due to famine and violence.
