KHARTOUM – A massive fire has destroyed a significant oil refinery located approximately 71 kilometres north of Khartoum, intensifying the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Both factions have traded accusations over responsibility for the attack.
The Sudanese army alleged that the RSF deliberately set the refinery ablaze in a “desperate attempt” to sabotage the country’s vital oil resources after failing to seize control of them. The army described the incident as part of a broader RSF strategy aimed at destabilising Sudan.
In contrast, the RSF claimed the refinery was destroyed by airstrikes carried out by the army, which allegedly deployed barrel bombs in the early hours of the morning.
The paramilitary group condemned the attack, labelling it one of many “war crimes” committed by the army since the conflict erupted.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing thick black smoke billowing from the refinery, which is among the largest in Sudan and crucial to the nation’s energy supply.
This incident comes amid an already volatile power struggle between the two sides, which has caused widespread destruction and deepened Sudan’s political and humanitarian crises.
