In brief
Civilians in Port Sudan, previously a refuge from civil war, face escalating violence as drone attacks threaten their safety and livelihoods.
Large clouds of smoke rose above Port Sudan on Tuesday as the city, which had been a haven for civilians fleeing the ongoing civil war, was attacked by drones for a third consecutive day. The paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (R.S.F.), has initiated a campaign against this de facto wartime capital, striking crucial civilian sites such as a fuel depot, an airport, and a hospital.Eyewitnesses reported drone strikes near key locations, including the airport and a hotel which is known to accommodate diplomats, resulting in a tense atmosphere that left the streets nearly deserted. Khalid Ali Aleisir, Sudan's minister of information, condemned the strikes on social media, labeling them a "criminal and terrorist attack". In a reassuring message to the citizens, Aleisir stated that security forces are fully committed to ensuring public safety despite the escalating chaos.The R.S.F. has yet to claim responsibility for the attacks; however, this marks their first strike on Port Sudan since the conflict erupted in 2023. The situation has escalated, as the ongoing war has already led to an estimated 15,000 deaths and displaced nearly 13 million people. Witnesses shared their concerns, with Mohamed Ahmed, a resident who fled Khartoum, fearing an impending repeat of displacement if the violence intensifies.As thousands have sought refuge in Port Sudan amid the destruction of Khartoum, aid organizations have utilized the city as a base for humanitarian efforts. The recent attacks jeopardize these efforts, as the African Union expressed deep concern about the implications for civilian safety and regional stability.The conflict surged in intensity earlier this year when the Sudanese military regained control of central Khartoum, leading to increased clashes with the paramilitary forces. As tensions rise further, the citizens of Port Sudan brace for the uncertainties that lie ahead, hoping for an end to the violence that continues to ravage their country.
