Sudan's Oil Refinery Attacked, Setting Complex Ablaze

2025-01-26 12:00:49.329

Satellite data reveals that Sudan's largest oil refinery, jointly owned by the Sudanese government and China National Petroleum Corp., was set ablaze during clashes between the Sudanese military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The military later claimed to have captured the refinery, a significant prize in their conflict. Both sides traded accusations, with the military blaming the RSF and the RSF claiming the military used barrel bombs. The fire caused significant damage and sent plumes of black smoke over Khartoum, raising health concerns. The incident underscores the escalating conflict, which has already caused over 28,000 deaths and displaced millions. International efforts to mediate the conflict and pressure both sides have been unsuccessful. The refinery's destruction would severely impact the economies of Sudan and South Sudan, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The conflict's roots lie in the 2019 uprising that removed dictator Omar al-Bashir and the subsequent 2021 coup. The ongoing violence involves accusations of genocide against ethnic groups, and the use of food deprivation as a weapon of war. China, a major trading partner with Sudan, has yet to comment on the incident.