Fighting near Sudan’s largest oil refinery has resulted in extensive fires, with satellite data confirming large areas ablaze. The facility is crucial in the ongoing civil conflict between Sudan’s military and the Rapid Support Force. Recent attacks have raised international alarm as the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate amid allegations of severe human rights violations.
Recent clashes near Sudan’s largest oil refinery have resulted in significant fires at the facility, as reported by satellite data. The conflict in the region has led to thick, black smoke rising over the capital, Khartoum. The refinery, owned by the Sudanese government and the China National Petroleum Corporation, became a crucial asset for the military forces loyal to General Abdel al-Fattah Burhan amid ongoing civil war against the Rapid Support Force (RSF).
The al-Jaili refinery, located approximately 60 kilometers from Khartoum, has frequently experienced violence, particularly since the RSF claimed control in April 2023. Recent reports indicate that the RSF has fortified the refinery’s perimeter with landmines to thwart military advances. Prior to Thursday’s attack, the facility, which processes 100,000 barrels of oil daily, remained largely undamaged. However, an onslaught that day ignited multiple fires throughout the complex, as confirmed by NASA satellite imagery.
Satellite images captured on Friday revealed extensive areas of the refinery engulfed in flames, with smoke billowing skyward from several locations. The oil tanks at the site bore the marks of destruction, covered in soot from the conflagration. Ongoing civil unrest and international efforts to mediate the conflict have proved ineffective, as violence persists despite mounting evidence of atrocities committed by the RSF and its affiliates.
Sudan is currently embroiled in a civil war that has escalated the humanitarian crisis across the nation. The conflict primarily pits the national army, led by General Abdel al-Fattah Burhan, against the Rapid Support Force (RSF), a group previously known for its cruelty. The situation has deteriorated to the extent that there are allegations of genocide being conducted by the RSF, prompting international concern and failed peace efforts. The al-Jaili refinery, being the largest oil processing facility in Sudan, has become a strategic target in this ongoing conflict.
The civil war in Sudan has reached critical levels, culminating in the recent devastation of the al-Jaili oil refinery. With systematic attacks worsening the humanitarian situation and international attempts at resolution proving ineffective, the country faces a dire future. The destruction of this key facility not only highlights the escalating violence but also raises concerns regarding its implications for the local population amid a pervasive humanitarian crisis.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
