Fierce fighting in Sudan destroys country's largest oil refinery

(CLO) Satellite data shows that fighting at the al-Jaili oil refinery, about 60 km from Sudan's capital Khartoum, has left the vast complex engulfed in flames.

Thick black smoke has spread across the Sudanese capital, raising concerns about the serious impact on public health and the environment.

The al-Jaili plant, which has the capacity to process 100,000 barrels of oil per day, has been the subject of a long-running dispute between the Sudanese military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Fire engulfed Sudan's largest oil refinery on January 24. Photo: Planet Labs PBC

By January 23, the onslaught had ignited fires across the entire region, with satellite imagery from Planet Labs PBC showing large columns of fire and charred oil tanks. Thick black smoke was billowing over the area, threatening the health of residents by potentially exacerbating respiratory conditions and increasing the risk of cancer.

The Sudanese army, under the command of General Abdel-Fattah Burhan, announced that it had captured the al-Jaili oil refinery.

The military accused the RSF of deliberately setting the fire to destroy national infrastructure, and vowed to hunt down the rebels. RSF, in turn, accused Sudanese military aircraft of dropping “barrel bombs” on the factory, leading to the fire.

Neither side has provided concrete evidence, but on January 25, multiple videos emerged showing Sudanese troops entering the complex amid heavy gunfire.

The refinery, which had been under RSF control since April 2023, was protected by minefields to prevent the army from advancing. However, the recent fighting has completely destroyed the facility, disrupting production and causing heavy damage to the Sudanese economy.

The al-Jaili refinery plays a vital role in Sudan’s energy sector. The loss of the facility will force Sudan to rely on more expensive imported fuel, exacerbating the economic crisis.

Timothy Liptrot, an expert from the Small Arms Survey, warned that if the conflict continues, Sudan's oil infrastructure risks being permanently destroyed.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed deep concern over the recent escalation and called for restraint to avoid dangerous economic and environmental consequences. But with fighting continuing, the prospect of peace in Sudan appears increasingly remote.

Ngoc Anh (according to Reuters, AJ)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/giao-tranh-ac-liet-tai-sudan-thieu-rui-nha-may-loc-dau-lon-nhat-dat-nuoc-post332001.html