Drone Strikes Hit Port Sudan, Escalating Violence in Civil War

Strategic Insights -

Port Sudan, a city that had been relatively spared in Sudan's devastating civil war, was hit with drone strikes on Tuesday, targeting a fuel depot, airport, and a hotel. The attacks, launched by the Rapid Support Forces (R.S.F.), brought large plumes of black smoke over the city, leaving its streets nearly deserted. The R.S.F., a Sudanese paramilitary group, has been accused by the government of carrying out a "criminal and terrorist attack." The group has been supported by the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.), which has been accused of fueling genocide in Sudan.

Key Takeaways:

  • The drone strikes, which occurred on Tuesday, targeted a fuel depot, airport, and Marina Hotel in Port Sudan, a city that had been relatively spared in the civil war.
  • The Rapid Support Forces (R.S.F.), a Sudanese paramilitary group, have been accused by the government of carrying out the attacks, which have been supported by the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.).
  • The attacks have brought large plumes of black smoke over the city, leaving its streets nearly deserted.
  • Thousands of people have fled Port Sudan as fighting between the R.S.F. and the Sudanese military reduced Khartoum to rubble.
  • The Sudanese military has accused the U.A.E. of arming the R.S.F. with drones used in the attacks.
  • A day earlier, the International Court of Justice accused the U.A.E. of fueling genocide in Sudan by supporting the R.S.F.
  • The Sudanese government has severed diplomatic relations with the U.A.E. and will recall staff from its embassy in Abu Dhabi.
  • The conflict has already killed an estimated 150,000 people and displaced nearly 13 million.

Statistics:

  • Estimated 150,000 people killed in the conflict
  • Nearly 13 million displaced
  • Thousands of civilians fleeing Port Sudan after drone strikes
  • 40-year-old Mohamed Ahmed has fled Khartoum and is worried about the escalating violence
  • 60-year-old Abdallah Tag Elsir kept his store shut after the attack on the fuel depot
  • Dozens of people lined up for fuel after the attack on the depot

Sources:

  • The New York Times
  • Sudan's news agency
  • The International Court of Justice
  • The Sudanese government
  • The Rapid Support Forces