Port Sudan Hit by Drone Strikes as Sudan Crisis Deepens

Port Sudan, a key hub for humanitarian aid and diplomatic operations, came under a wave of drone attacks this week in a dramatic escalation of Sudan’s ongoing civil war.

Beginning May 3, drone strikes—allegedly carried out by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF)—targeted the city’s airport, fuel facilities and military sites, according to the Sudanese Armed Forces. The strikes disrupted power, grounded flights and damaged infrastructure critical to aid distribution.

The army claimed it shot down multiple drones, but attacks have continued, raising fears the RSF now possesses long-range strike capabilities. The use of drones has shifted the front lines, which had largely remained in Khartoum and the central regions since fighting erupted in April 2023.

In a diplomatic fallout, Sudan cut ties with the United Arab Emirates on Sunday, accusing the Gulf state of arming the RSF. The move followed a ruling by the International Court of Justice dismissing Sudan’s genocide complaint against the UAE due to lack of jurisdiction.

The conflict has killed more than 150,000 people and displaced over 12 million, making it one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world, according to the U.N.

International response remains muted as the violence escalates.

Humanitarian Crisis Worsens as Sudan Conflict Spreads

Sudan’s civil war has created what the United Nations calls the world’s largest displacement crisis, with over 12 million people forced from their homes since April 2023.

More than 8 million are internally displaced, many living in overcrowded camps without reliable access to food, water or medical care. Another 4 million have fled to neighboring countries, placing enormous strain on fragile border regions in Chad, South Sudan and Egypt.

The war has crippled Sudan’s healthcare system, with over 70% of hospitals in conflict zones no longer operational, according to the World Health Organization. Food insecurity is also growing; the World Food Program warns that 18 million people face acute hunger, including 5 million on the brink of famine.

Efforts to deliver aid have been repeatedly blocked or endangered by fighting, particularly around Port Sudan and Darfur. Aid convoys have been looted, and humanitarian workers face frequent attacks.

Despite urgent appeals, international funding has fallen far short. The U.N.’s 2025 humanitarian response plan is less than 20% funded as the crisis enters its second year.

“This is not just a Sudanese crisis,” said Martin Griffiths, U.N. relief chief. “It’s a regional catastrophe in the making.”