Fighting near Sudan’s largest oil refinery has caused significant fires, with satellite data confirming the damage. Military forces claim control, intensifying the civil war against the Rapid Support Force. The al-Jaili refinery has been previously fortified by the RSF, while international mediation has failed to halt the violence amid worsening humanitarian conditions.
Recent clashes near Sudan’s largest oil refinery have resulted in extensive damage to the facility, igniting fires that have released thick black smoke over Khartoum. Satellite data indicates that the conflict has escalated, with military forces, loyal to army chief General Abdel al-Fattah Burhan, claiming control of the refinery, which has long been a target in the ongoing civil war against the rebel Rapid Support Force (RSF). The fighting appears unabated despite international mediation efforts, including alarming assessments of genocide by the RSF and its affiliates.
Located approximately 60 kilometers north of the capital, the al-Jaili refinery has previously faced attacks and was claimed by the RSF since April 2023. Reports suggest that the RSF had fortified the area with landmines to impede any military advances. Although the facility, which processes 100,000 barrels of oil daily, remained largely intact until a recent onslaught on Thursday, satellite imagery reveals a significant fire engulfing substantial sections of the complex.
As per satellite images recorded by Planet Labs PBC on Friday afternoon, plumes of fire were visible at various locations within the refinery. The imagery highlighted extensive damage with oil tanks charred and blanketed in soot, marking a significant loss not only for the state but also impacting the looming humanitarian disaster exacerbated by protracted violence in Sudan. The conflict continues to inflict severe humanitarian tolls on the nation, with famine conditions worsening amid ongoing assaults.
Sudan has been embroiled in a civil war that erupted in April 2023, primarily between the military forces led by General Abdel al-Fattah Burhan and the Rapid Support Force (RSF). The al-Jaili refinery, a pivotal asset for Sudan’s oil production, has become a focal point of conflict due to its strategic importance. The fights surrounding the refinery have taken a toll on the already dire humanitarian conditions in Sudan, raising concerns about famine and civilian safety in the region.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has reached critical levels, leading to severe damage to the al-Jaili oil refinery and generating substantial environmental and humanitarian concerns. As the military claims control of this strategic facility, efforts to mediate the conflict appear ineffective, and fears of escalating violence persist amidst the deteriorating humanitarian crisis affecting millions of Sudanese citizens.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
