Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched a second drone strike in two days on Port Sudan, targeting fuel depots in the eastern city.
The attack sent large plumes of smoke and fire rising from the facility as civil defense teams worked to contain the blaze.
According to Sudan’s Energy and Petroleum Minister, Mohiedienn Naiem Mohamed Saied, the RSF used a drone to bomb the fuel storage facilities, described as civilian infrastructure.
The minister condemned the strike as a “terrorist operation” aimed at crippling essential services, expressing fears that the blaze could trigger a wider disaster in the densely populated area.
This recent attack follows Sunday’s drone strike on a military base and other targets near Port Sudan Airport, marking the first time the RSF has reached the strategic Red Sea city. No casualties were reported in either attack.
The eastern expansion of hostilities threatens to destabilize Port Sudan, which houses the country’s main seaport, airport, and army top command.
The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF began in April 2023, triggered by a dispute over a transition to civilian rule. It has displaced over 12 million people and pushed half of Sudan’s population into acute hunger, according to the United Nations.
The RSF has increased its use of drones since losing territory, including much of the capital Khartoum, in March.
Sudan’s government has accused the United Arab Emirates of supplying the RSF with advanced drones, although the Gulf state has denied these reports.
