Renewed Drone Attacks Disrupt Port Sudan, Signaling Escalation in Sudanese Conflict
Port Sudan, the temporary seat of the Sudanese government, has been rocked by a third consecutive day of explosions on Tuesday, May 6, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The latest incidents involved drone attacks allegedly launched by the RSF, who have been engaged in a fierce battle for control of the country since April 2023.
The city, which had previously been considered relatively safe compared to the intense fighting in Khartoum and other regions, is now facing a growing threat from the RSF’s increasingly sophisticated drone warfare capabilities. The attacks have disrupted vital infrastructure and raised concerns about the safety and security of civilians and government operations.
Reports indicate that a substantial plume of smoke billowed into the sky from the direction of the port on Tuesday, with eyewitnesses reporting an explosion within a warehouse. The specific contents of the warehouse and the extent of the damage remain unclear, but the incident underscores the vulnerability of Port Sudan’s critical infrastructure to the ongoing conflict. The port serves as a vital lifeline for the country, facilitating the import of essential goods and humanitarian aid. Any disruption to its operations could have severe consequences for the Sudanese population.
In response to the drone attacks, Sudanese military forces have reportedly deployed anti-aircraft missile systems from a military base in the northern part of the city. Witnesses reported hearing the launch of missiles in an attempt to intercept the incoming drones. The use of anti-aircraft weaponry in a civilian area raises concerns about the potential for collateral damage and the safety of residents.
The Port Sudan airport has also been directly affected by the escalating conflict. A representative of the airport confirmed that air traffic was suspended on Tuesday following a drone strike. The representative, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that "the drone targeted the civilian part of the airport." This suggests a deliberate attempt to disrupt civilian air travel and potentially target individuals or assets associated with the government or international organizations.
The attack on the civilian section of the airport followed a similar incident on Sunday when the military section of the airport was targeted by a drone strike. The previous attack also led to the suspension of flights, with the military accusing the RSF of being responsible. These repeated attacks on the airport highlight the RSF’s strategic objective of isolating Port Sudan and disrupting the government’s ability to operate effectively.
The Sudanese conflict is rooted in a power struggle between two key figures: General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the head of the Sudanese army, and General Mohamed Hamdane Daglo, also known as Hemedti, the leader of the paramilitary RSF. The two generals, who were once allies, have fallen out over the future direction of Sudan, particularly concerning the integration of the RSF into the regular army.
The RSF, which has suffered setbacks in recent months, appears to be increasingly relying on drone attacks to strike deep into areas controlled by General al-Burhan’s forces. This shift in tactics suggests that the RSF is seeking to compensate for its territorial losses and exert pressure on the government by disrupting key infrastructure and creating a sense of insecurity.
The use of drones by the RSF presents a significant challenge to the Sudanese military. Drones are relatively inexpensive and difficult to detect, making them an effective weapon for asymmetric warfare. The attacks on Port Sudan demonstrate the RSF’s growing capabilities in drone warfare and their willingness to use these weapons to target both military and civilian infrastructure.
The escalating conflict in Port Sudan raises serious concerns about the humanitarian situation in the region. The city is home to a large population of displaced people who have fled the fighting in Khartoum and other areas. The drone attacks are likely to further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis by disrupting aid deliveries and forcing more people to flee their homes.
The international community has condemned the violence in Sudan and called for an immediate ceasefire. However, mediation efforts have so far failed to produce a lasting peace agreement. The continued fighting and the increasing use of drones suggest that the conflict is likely to escalate further, with potentially devastating consequences for the Sudanese people.
The attacks on Port Sudan underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive political solution to the Sudanese conflict. A ceasefire is essential to allow for the delivery of humanitarian aid and to create an environment for meaningful negotiations between the warring parties. The international community must also provide support for efforts to address the root causes of the conflict, including the power struggle between the army and the RSF and the need for a more inclusive and democratic political system. Without a concerted effort to address these underlying issues, the conflict in Sudan is likely to continue, with devastating consequences for the country and the region. The targeting of civilian infrastructure, like the airport and the port warehouses, also points to a disregard for international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians, demanding further investigation and accountability for those responsible.
