Port Sudan is engulfed in chaos as drone strikes target key infrastructure, including a power station and the international airport, halting aid flights and causing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.**
Port Sudan Faces Darkness as Drone Attacks Disrupt Power and Aid Operations**
Port Sudan Faces Darkness as Drone Attacks Disrupt Power and Aid Operations**
Paramilitary assaults in Port Sudan result in widespread power outages, escalating humanitarian concerns amid ongoing civil conflict.**
Amid escalating violence in Sudan, the city of Port Sudan is grappling with a complete power outage after drone strikes targeted a major power station, according to reports from the national electricity provider. This alarming scenario marks the third day of targeted paramilitary assaults, significantly impacting both the city’s infrastructure and its role as a refuge for those fleeing the ongoing civil war.
Witnesses describe chaos as explosions erupted near the city’s international airport and one of its main hotels, marking a disturbing turn for a city previously seen as a sanctuary. Journalist Cristina Karrer remarked on the apocalyptic scene she observed, with clouds of black smoke enveloping the skyline as fires rage across the area. Thousands of displaced individuals had sought refuge in Port Sudan, and these assaults threaten their safety and access to essential services, as electricity disruptions hinder vital operations like water supply and healthcare.
The drone attacks have been attributed to the paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has not yet publicly addressed the allegations. Reports indicate that a drone targeted the civilian area of the airport, while another struck an army base in the city center. In addition, a fuel depot caught fire following a separate drone strike. With essential services at risk, Sudan's electricity company is currently assessing the damage to determine the extent of the outages.
In response to the escalating violence, the United Nations has temporarily halted aid flights to Port Sudan, although other assistance operations remain unaffected as they continue to address urgent humanitarian needs. Farhan Haq, the UN deputy spokesperson, assured that none of their facilities had been compromised.
Sudan's government spokespeople confirmed that military forces are actively securing the affected areas, asserting that the resilience of the Sudanese people remains unyielding despite the turmoil. The African Union condemned the drone assaults as a "dangerous escalation" in the ongoing conflict, heightening concerns for civilian safety and humanitarian access.
As the civil war rages on, the conflict has resulted in loss of life, mass displacements, and a deteriorating humanitarian crisis, with both the army and RSF facing accusations of war crimes. Continued volatility in Port Sudan underscores the critical need for a resolution to restore peace and stability in the country.
