Sudan's military reported on Sunday that the city of Port Sudan

Sudan's military reported on Sunday that the city of Port Sudan, the government's temporary seat of power, was struck by drones operated by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) rebels.

The drones targeted Osman Digna Air Base and a goods warehouse in the city. This marks the first time the RSF has attacked Port Sudan, which has been relatively unaffected by the ongoing two-year conflict between the military and the RSF. The attack underscores the growing capabilities of the RSF, which has been increasing the frequency and range of its drone attacks on military-controlled areas.

The conflict began in 2023 when the military and RSF, initially allies during the transitional period following Omar al-Bashir's ousting, turned on each other. Disagreements over the integration of the RSF into the national army led to the breakdown in their alliance, resulting in a civil war that has caused significant devastation and displacement. Both sides have been accused of committing war crimes and violating international law, with the death toll estimated to be in the tens of thousands and over 12 million people displaced, contributing to a severe humanitarian crisis.

Port Sudan's strategic importance lies in its status as a major port and the government's temporary capital since the outbreak of the conflict. The city has not seen the same level of fighting as other parts of the country, such as the capital, Khartoum, which has suffered significantly from the ongoing conflict. The latest attack suggests that the RSF is expanding its operations and increasing the pressure on government forces.