Sudan’s two-year civil war has taken a dangerous new turn as Port Sudan, the country’s de facto wartime capital, came under drone attack for the first time.
The coastal city, a vital hub for humanitarian aid and government operations, had until now been spared from direct conflict.
Widespread explosions
The explosions last week targeted critical infrastructure, including a military base, a hotel near army leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan’s offices and a key fuel depot. The attacks left the city without electricity and forced the suspension of all flights. The Sudanese army has blamed the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), though the group has not claimed responsibility.
RSF using Chinese-made drones to hit deep inside army-held territory
Port Sudan became the temporary seat of government after the RSF drove the army from Khartoum in 2023. The latest strikes mark a major shift in tactics by the RSF, which has begun using drones to reach targets deep inside army-held territory. Their drones have also hit Kassala, El Obeid, and a hydroelectric dam in Merowe, raising fears about the militia’s growing capability to disrupt national infrastructure without deploying ground troops.
The African Union described the attack on Port Sudan as a “dangerous escalation”, warning it threatens civilian safety and humanitarian operations. The RSF’s access to advanced drones – reportedly Chinese-made – and suspicions of foreign support have added international tension. The Sudanese army accused the United Arab Emirates of backing the RSF, but a case brought to the International Court of Justice was dismissed due to jurisdiction limits.
Sudan is deeply divided
Despite recent gains by the army in retaking territory, including parts of Khartoum, the country remains deeply divided, with much of the west still under RSF control. Aid agencies warn of worsening humanitarian conditions as the conflict drags on, with no sign of a political or military resolution in sight.
