Port Sudan faced a second attack by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) early Tuesday morning, shaking the provisional capital just days after a previous strike. Sudanese military officials confirmed that RSF forces hit the southern port area, sparking fires and causing damage to fuel storage tanks. Sudan’s Information Minister, Khalid Aleiser, accused the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of arming the RSF, further fueling diplomatic tensions. The UAE has firmly denied these claims, calling instead for a peaceful resolution to the escalating conflict.
RSF Targets Key Infrastructure in Port Sudan
Thick smoke was seen rising over Port Sudan after the RSF launched an early morning airstrike. Videos shared on social media showed plumes of dark smoke above the southern part of the city. Military officials reported that fuel tanks belonging to Sudan’s National Petroleum Corporation were among the primary targets.
Information Minister Khalid Aleiser visited the site shortly after the attack. He confirmed damage to critical energy infrastructure and stated, “We will continue our legitimate battle.” Aleiser accused the UAE of supplying weapons to the RSF, intensifying an already heated political rift.
UAE Dismisses Allegations and Calls for Diplomacy
In response, the United Arab Emirates rejected Sudan’s accusations. A spokesperson from the Emirati Foreign Ministry described the attacks on Port Sudan and the nearby city of Kassala as “a clear breach of humanitarian law.” They reiterated their support for a peaceful resolution and urged both parties to engage in meaningful negotiations.
This diplomatic clash follows a legal setback for Sudan. Just a day before the second attack, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) dismissed Sudan’s genocide case against the UAE. The court cited a jurisdiction clause that exempts the UAE from proceedings, despite both countries being signatories to the Genocide Convention.
Impact on Civilians and Humanitarian Corridors
The RSF’s latest assault has disrupted vital transportation and emergency services. Cairo Airport canceled three flights bound for Port Sudan in the wake of the strike. Satellite images confirmed the destruction of fuel tanks, likely affecting fuel supplies in the region.
Until recently, Port Sudan had been one of the last stable zones in the country. It served as a refuge for displaced civilians escaping fighting elsewhere. This new wave of violence threatens to close one of Sudan’s few remaining humanitarian corridors.
Escalating Conflict Since April 2023
The ongoing conflict began in April 2023 following a breakdown in power-sharing between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF. Clashes quickly escalated into a nationwide war. While official death tolls vary widely, estimates range from 24,000 to as many as 150,000 people killed.
According to the United Nations, more than 13 million people have been displaced within Sudan, and 4 million have sought safety in neighboring countries. Entire towns and cities have been left in ruins, and critical infrastructure has been either damaged or completely destroyed.
Worsening Famine and Health Crisis
Beyond the immediate violence, Sudan now faces a growing food crisis. According to the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), nearly 25 million people are suffering from extreme food insecurity. Five regions are currently experiencing famine conditions, with five more at risk between December 2024 and May 2025 if aid does not arrive.
Medical services are also in collapse. Health centers in conflict zones have shut down, and international aid groups struggle to deliver supplies. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that thousands could die not only from violence but from preventable diseases and malnutrition.
Despite mounting civilian suffering, international response remains divided. While some countries push for ceasefires and diplomatic talks, others focus on humanitarian aid. The situation remains tense, especially as Sudanese officials continue to accuse foreign actors of interfering in the conflict.