PORT SUDANS / Suakin / Kassara – Drone strikes collide with East Sudan cities in Port Sudan and Kassara on Wednesday, with new attacks fostering concerns over the worsening crisis in one of the country’s few safe and secure areas. The updated attack, which began at dawn and resumed in the evening, targeted a naval base in Port Sudan, the capital of the Red Sea.
Witnesses told Radiodabanga that 10 drones struck at dawn yesterday, setting fires near the military facility. A similar strike was reported later that day. In total, the local air defense reportedly defeated at least eight drones, four in Port Sudan and four in Cassala, according to security sources.
Residents of Suakin, south of Port Sudan, confirmed that the drone had collided with the port of Ottoman Digna Air Force Base, causing what was called “limited damage.”
The attack marking the fourth day in a row of drone strikes prompted a temporary halt of air and sea traffic in Port Sudan. The United Nations responded by halting humanitarian aid flights with the city.
The Sudanese Army (SAF) accused the Non-Military, Speedy Support Forces (RSF) of running a coordinated drone campaign targeting the strategic Red Sea city of Port Sudan from Sunday.
After the RSF acquired Khartoum early in the conflict, the city became a de facto base for the Sudanese government.
Fuel Depot
Port Sudan’s strategic fuel depot continued to burn on the second day. Sources told Radiodabanga that the flames had not spread to the fifth warehouse and that smoke was not visible from afar. Sources say the impact is already causing a serious fuel crisis.
The black market price of gasoline has skyrocketed to SDG of 70,000 per gallon. A long line of vehicles formed outside the Fuel Bureau was supplied, and residents reported an almost complete collapse of public transport in the city.
A similar fuel shortage has led to a hit in Cassara and Nile River River, where people report waiting times in front of gas stations.
The Department of Energy tried to calm the fear by claiming that fuel supply remains stable and available.
Suleiman Hamed, former Energy Director General, warned of the long-term outcome. He told Radio Dhabanga that Depot was hit in Monday’s attack, one of Port Sudan’s two strategic fuel warehouses, each with a capacity of 220,000 tonnes.
“The fires had extended to four subwarehouses,” he said.
“The cost to build the damaged facility was $150 million,” he added, noting that a full assessment of the damage is still ongoing. Hamed also expressed concern that fuel shortages could promote widespread deforestation as people rely on fire.
The Sudan Doctor Network reported that 17 people were injured in the recent strike. Port Sudan’s hospitals are located on emergency footings.
The network urged authorities to issue public health warnings, warned residents to avoid inhaling smoke from the flames, citing the risks to those living near the flames.
The humanitarian situation is getting worse in Port Sudan. Power outages, high food prices and a lack of clean drinking water have affected the city’s residents.
A ground source told Radio Dhabanga: “Merchants are exploiting the crisis and government surveillance is weak.”
Some residents returned home after authorities managed to contain the fire, but many reported looting during the chaos.
Red Sea State Police said the suspect was arrested and charged under Section 77 of the Criminal Code.
In response to the featured crisis, the Red Sea Security Commission issued emergency measures banning cafes, mobile vendors and freelance merchants from working in sensitive areas.
“These are potential hot spots for gatherings that could put public safety at risk,” the committee said in a statement that it had worked with other authorities to pledge strict enforcement.
The committee added that the restrictions are temporary and intended to “contain the current situation and strengthen the security of the Red Sea.” It urged citizens to work with security forces to ensure stability.
In another development, the Ministry of Information restricted live broadcasts from satellite channels and required prior permission. The journalist reported interference with coverage of the Port Sudan event.
Sign up for the AllAfrica newsletter for free
Get the latest African news
success!
Almost finished…
You need to check your email address.
Follow the instructions in the email you sent to complete the process.
error!
There was a problem processing the submission. Please try again later.
european union
In response to the strike, the European Union issued a statement Wednesday, accusing them of saying it was a drone attack carried out by the RSF.
“These attacks target critical infrastructure, including civilian facilities, and represent a critical and troubling expansion of the conflict,” the statement said. It noted that Port Sudan had evacuated thousands of people from combat in other regions.
The EU “explicitly condemned the use of drone strikes by the RSF against civilians and major targets, warning that such actions “will undermine regional stability and violate international humanitarian law.”
“These actions are supported by international supporters and pose a threat to the safety and welfare of Sudan’s civilians and international staff living in Port Sudan,” the statement continued.
The EU has called on all parties to end hostilities, engage in dialogue, and urged people to “stop their support immediately” to supply weapons.
The Bullock reaffirmed its commitment to “a support effort aimed at restoring peace and stability in Sudan.”
