Sudan’s civil war has devastatingly impacted the nation’s largest oil refinery, leading to extensive fires confirmed by satellite imagery. The facility, capable of processing 100,000 barrels daily, has become a focal point of conflict between the military and the RSF. Despite international mediation efforts, fighting continues unchecked amid a worsening humanitarian crisis.
Fighting in the vicinity of Sudan’s largest oil refinery has led to significant damage to the facility, as indicated by satellite data from recent observations. Smoke billowed over Khartoum as forces supporting General Abdel al-Fattah Burhan, the army chief, claimed a takeover of the refinery. This facility, owned jointly by the Sudanese government and China National Petroleum Corp, has become a pivotal target in the ongoing civil war against the rebel group, the Rapid Support Force (RSF).
The al-Jaili refinery, situated approximately 60 kilometers north of Khartoum, has faced repeated assaults since April 2023 when RSF forces secured control of the area. Reports suggest the RSF has fortified the refinery’s perimeter with landmines to thwart advances by opposing forces. Despite being subjected to prior attacks, the refinery’s operations remained largely undamaged until a recent coordinated strike ignited fires across its infrastructure.
Recent satellite imagery captured by Planet Labs PBC unveiled extensive flames enveloping the refinery, showcasing the devastation caused by the conflict. These images, taken shortly after noon GMT, depicted flames rising from multiple points within the facility. The refinery’s design allows for a processing capacity of 100,000 barrels of oil daily, underscoring its significance to the nation’s economy.
The civil conflict in Sudan has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis within the country, marked by widespread famine and violence. The struggle for control over key resources, such as oil refineries, has intensified as military factions, primarily the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF, vie for dominance. International efforts to mediate the conflict have struggled to forge a resolution, as the scale of the humanitarian toll continues to escalate, affecting millions of civilians.
The recent attack on Sudan’s largest oil refinery highlights the severe consequences of the ongoing civil war between military factions. The conflagration not only illustrates the violence occurring near Khartoum but also signals the broader implications for the region’s humanitarian situation. As each faction leverages key resources, the prospects for peace and stability within Sudan remain alarmingly tenuous.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
