The Sudanese city of Port Sudan is facing severe electricity outages due to drone strikes by paramilitary forces. Following multiple attacks, flights have been canceled, and UN aid operations faced disruptions amid fears of increased violence.
Escalation of Violence in Sudan: Power Outage Hits Port Sudan
Escalation of Violence in Sudan: Power Outage Hits Port Sudan
Drone strikes on a key power station in Port Sudan cause complete outages as violence escalates with ongoing paramilitary attacks.
In a concerning turn of events, Port Sudan, a crucial city that has remained relatively safe during the prolonged civil war in Sudan, is now grappling with significant power outages caused by drone strikes targeting essential infrastructure. Reports emerged that a major power station was hit, resulting in a "complete power outage," as confirmed by the country's electricity authority.
Over the past three days, explosions and fires have erupted near the city's main international airport. These attacks have led to the cancellation of flights after drones targeted both the airport itself and a nearby hotel close to the presidential palace. "I see a huge cloud and fire going all around the city... it looks quite apocalyptic," shared Cristina Karrer, a journalist witnessing the chaos on the ground.
Sudan's electricity company is currently assessing damages at its substation, underscoring the challenges in delivering vital services such as water and healthcare. Reports indicate that one drone strike hit the civilian section of the Port Sudan airport, while another targeted an army base within the city.
Additionally, UN agencies have temporarily halted aid flights to Port Sudan, even as routine operations continue unaffected. Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for the UN, insisted, "None of our offices, premises, or warehouses have been impacted."
Following the attacks, Sudanese government spokesman Khaled Al-Aiser assured that military forces are securing the affected fuel depots, emphasizing the resilience of the Sudanese people. The military has attributed these drone strikes to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group that has increased its aggressive tactics amid the ongoing conflict.
The African Union issued a statement labeling the drone strikes a "dangerous escalation" in the conflict, which has already claimed thousands of lives and led millions to flee their homes. The RSF continues to employ drone warfare to regain territories lost to the army, including the capital, Khartoum.
As tensions surge, the humanitarian crisis in Sudan escalates, with both the army and RSF being accused of war crimes. The international community watches closely as the situation develops in this war-torn nation.
Over the past three days, explosions and fires have erupted near the city's main international airport. These attacks have led to the cancellation of flights after drones targeted both the airport itself and a nearby hotel close to the presidential palace. "I see a huge cloud and fire going all around the city... it looks quite apocalyptic," shared Cristina Karrer, a journalist witnessing the chaos on the ground.
Sudan's electricity company is currently assessing damages at its substation, underscoring the challenges in delivering vital services such as water and healthcare. Reports indicate that one drone strike hit the civilian section of the Port Sudan airport, while another targeted an army base within the city.
Additionally, UN agencies have temporarily halted aid flights to Port Sudan, even as routine operations continue unaffected. Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for the UN, insisted, "None of our offices, premises, or warehouses have been impacted."
Following the attacks, Sudanese government spokesman Khaled Al-Aiser assured that military forces are securing the affected fuel depots, emphasizing the resilience of the Sudanese people. The military has attributed these drone strikes to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group that has increased its aggressive tactics amid the ongoing conflict.
The African Union issued a statement labeling the drone strikes a "dangerous escalation" in the conflict, which has already claimed thousands of lives and led millions to flee their homes. The RSF continues to employ drone warfare to regain territories lost to the army, including the capital, Khartoum.
As tensions surge, the humanitarian crisis in Sudan escalates, with both the army and RSF being accused of war crimes. The international community watches closely as the situation develops in this war-torn nation.
