Sudan is seeking urgent assistance from Saudi Arabia to combat a massive fire that has erupted at strategic fuel depots in Port Sudan. The blaze, which was ignited by a drone attack attributed to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), poses a significant threat to the region and has prompted fears of a potential disaster.
According to Sudan's Minister of Energy and Oil, Mohi El-Din Naim Mohamed Saeed, the government has formally requested firefighting aircraft from Saudi Arabia to help contain the flames. "We have asked for a specialized aircraft to extinguish the fires, and coordination with Riyadh is crucial in effectively addressing the aftermath of this attack," he stated during an interview with Saudi news channel Al-Ekhbariya.
The situation in Port Sudan is critical, as the fires have spread from the initial site in the Al-Waqoud depots to neighboring storage facilities filled with fuel. The Sudanese Ministry of Energy has confirmed that firefighting operations are ongoing, with civil defense forces actively working to contain the flames and prevent further damage.
Minister Saeed condemned the attack, labeling it as an act of terrorism aimed at disrupting essential services and civilian life in Sudan. He emphasized that such operations are part of a broader pattern of aggression targeting vital infrastructure, which directly impacts the daily lives of Sudanese citizens.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Energy, officials revealed that the fire broke out early in the morning, around 5 AM, prompting immediate action from civil defense teams. Witnesses reported that the fire originated from two tanks, likely due to ongoing shelling. As a precaution, additional firefighting units were dispatched from nearby municipalities, raising the total number of response teams to seven.
The Civil Defense Police have been actively engaged in firefighting efforts, working diligently to cool down the affected areas and prevent the fire from escalating further. Fortunately, there have been no reported casualties as a result of this incident.
This incident is not isolated; it adds to a troubling trend of assaults on Sudan's civil and service facilities. Minister Saeed noted, "This operation adds to the record of criminals who continue to target service and civil facilities in Sudan, which touches the lives of the Sudanese citizen directly, indicating that the goal is to disrupt life in the country." The government has been on high alert, as previous attacks have raised concerns about the security of critical infrastructure.
As the situation unfolds, Sudan's government is working closely with Saudi officials to ensure that the necessary resources are deployed quickly to mitigate the impact of the fire. The request for assistance reflects the urgency of the situation, as the potential for widespread disaster looms over Port Sudan.
The international community has been watching closely, as the stability of Sudan remains precarious. The ongoing conflict and violence have exacerbated the humanitarian situation in the country, leading to increased calls for support and intervention from neighboring nations and global organizations.
Meanwhile, the economic situation in the region continues to fluctuate. On the same day, reports indicated that the price of the dollar in Syria is soaring, while gold prices in Egypt are also experiencing significant transactions. These economic shifts further complicate the landscape in which Sudan is operating.
Weather forecasts for the region suggest that conditions may affect firefighting efforts, adding another layer of complexity to an already dire situation. The government is urging citizens to stay informed and prepared as they navigate these challenges.
In summary, Sudan's request for assistance from Saudi Arabia highlights the critical nature of the fire at the fuel depots in Port Sudan. With the ongoing violence and instability, the government is taking every measure possible to protect its infrastructure and citizens, while also seeking international support to address the crisis effectively.
