Context:

Port Sudan, previously a refuge for those fleeing the Sudanese civil war, has been targeted by drone strikes for three consecutive days, intensifying the ongoing conflict. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been accused of launching these attacks, which hit key civilian facilities such as a fuel depot, airport, and a hotel frequented by diplomats, although they have not claimed responsibility. The strikes caused widespread fear and disruption in the city, with residents like Mohamed Ahmed expressing concerns about safety and potential displacement. This escalation in violence comes amidst an ongoing war that began in April 2023, which has already led to significant loss of life and displacement. The conflict has seen both the RSF and Sudanese military accused of severe human rights violations, with international entities expressing concern over the deteriorating situation and its impact on civilians and regional stability.

Dive Deeper:

• Port Sudan, a city that had largely remained untouched by Sudan's devastating civil war, faced drone attacks initiated by the Rapid Support Forces, targeting crucial civilian infrastructure like the airport and a hotel where diplomats stayed.

• The attacks on Port Sudan have rattled the city, leading to deserted streets and concerns among residents about fuel shortages and further violence, as noted by shop owner Abdallah Tag Elsir and local resident Othman Seddig.

• The Rapid Support Forces, although not officially claiming responsibility, have been accused of these attacks, marking a significant escalation in the conflict that has already caused immense loss of life and displacement since April 2023.

• Khalid Ali Aleisir, Sudan’s minister of information, condemned the attacks as 'criminal and terrorist,' reassuring the public about the ongoing efforts of security forces, despite the city's newfound vulnerability.

• The war, characterized by severe human rights abuses from both the RSF and the Sudanese military, has led to international concern, with the African Union condemning the recent uptick in violence as a threat to civilians and regional stability.

• The RSF's use of drones, reportedly supplied by the United Arab Emirates, has been a contentious issue, leading to international legal proceedings which were dismissed by the International Court of Justice, despite continued allegations of foreign interference.

• With significant parts of Khartoum in ruins, Port Sudan had become a strategic hub for humanitarian aid distribution, but these recent attacks threaten its role as a safe haven and logistical base amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis.