Drone Strikes Hit Kosti Port, Shelling Resumes in El Fasher

Drone attacks targeted the Kosti port, and fierce clashes continued between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in El Fasher, leading to civilian casualties and concerns for displaced people, reports the Sudan Tribune.

Unidentified Drones Target Kosti Port

In a disturbing development, unidentified drones launched an attack on the Kosti port in White Nile State. Located about 168 miles south of Khartoum, the port was hit by at least two drones, according to local sources. Eyewitnesses reported hearing explosions and seeing thick smoke rise from the site. One police officer was injured in the incident.

So far, neither the local authorities in White Nile State nor the warring factions have released any official statements regarding the drone attack. This incident is part of a worrying trend of drone strikes targeting cities under army control over the past month and a half. Similar attacks have occurred in Atbara, Gedaref, Shendi, Merowe, and Dongola.

Renewed Clashes in El Fasher

At the same time, El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State, saw a resurgence of violence. The RSF resumed heavy artillery shelling of southern neighborhoods on Friday. Intermittent clashes between the army, allied armed struggle movements, and the RSF also erupted east of the city.

The ongoing fighting in El Fasher has resulted in over 50 civilian deaths in the past week alone. This escalation raises significant concerns for the hundreds of thousands of displaced people who have sought refuge in the city, escaping violence from other parts of the Darfur region.

Incident Involving Islamist Militia Leader in Eastern Sudan

In another incident on Friday, a road accident involving Al-Misbah Abu Zaid, commander of the Islamist Al-Baraa Bin Malik battalion, occurred on the Khashm El-Girba – Kassala road in eastern Sudan. The accident, caused by a tire explosion, resulted in two fatalities and several injuries.

Al-Misbah Abu Zaid, among the injured, was transported to Kassala Hospital for treatment along with eight others. He later appeared at the funeral of one of the deceased. The Al-Baraa Bin Malik battalion is an Islamist fighting force allied with the Sudanese army.

The drone attacks on Kosti port and the renewed shelling in El Fasher underline the escalating violence in Sudan. With civilian casualties mounting and displaced populations at risk, the situation remains dire. The lack of official responses to these incidents further complicates the prospects for peace and stability in the region.