The U.S. State Department on Monday denounced a series of drone attacks that struck Port Sudan and other regions of Sudan over the weekend, warning that the strikes allegedly carried out by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) could derail critical humanitarian operations and deepen an already dire crisis.
“The United States condemns the recent drone attacks, reportedly by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), on critical infrastructure and other civilian targets in Port Sudan and throughout the country,” the U.S. statement read. “These attacks represent a dangerous escalation in the Sudan conflict.”
The drone strikes, which occurred over two consecutive days, ignited fires and caused widespread destruction, targeting the Osman Digna Air Base near Port Sudan’s international airport, a major ammunition depot, and several nearby fuel storage facilities. By Monday, thick columns of smoke hung over the city, and airport operations had been suspended further isolating a country already ravaged by war.
Port Sudan, the de facto administrative center since Khartoum fell to RSF forces in mid-2023, had until now remained relatively stable and served as a strategic hub for government operations, humanitarian aid, and international diplomacy.
Sudan’s Energy Minister Mohiedienn Naiem Mohamed Saied condemned the attacks as “terrorist operations” designed to paralyze essential services and provoke further chaos. “These fires engulfed major fuel facilities and pose a catastrophic risk to the civilian population,” he said.
Military sources reported that at least 11 drones were used in Sunday’s initial assault, striking both military and civilian sites. A second wave on Monday intensified the destruction, targeting fuel depots and disrupting airport operations.
Though the RSF has not officially claimed responsibility, the group has a history of deploying drone technology believed to be supplied by regional allies. The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) referred to the attacks as “suicide drone operations” and warned of further escalations.
The U.S. also raised alarm over increasing RSF attacks in North Darfur’s El Fasher region, urging for civilian protection and unimpeded humanitarian access. “It is also imperative for external actors to refrain from arming the belligerents,” the State Department stressed, hinting at growing regional involvement in the conflict.
Port Sudan’s fall to instability would mark a dangerous turning point in the war, potentially collapsing Sudan’s last remaining governance structures and humanitarian corridors. The port is essential not only for civilian supply lines but also for international aid coordination, having received millions of displaced people since the war began.
The United Nations and aid agencies report that more than 12 million people have been displaced across Sudan, and half of the country’s 45 million population now faces acute food insecurity.
As the international community ramps up condemnation, observers warn that without a negotiated ceasefire and pressure on external sponsors, Sudan could slide into further anarchy, with grave regional and humanitarian consequences.
