Red Sea State
Port Sudan explosions: Lifeline for aid comes under attack for fourth day
Explosions have been heard at the Port of Sudan, a critical lifeline and entry point for aid, as attacks on the city continued for a fourth day in the latest confrontation between Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the country's brutal two-year civil war. The attacks have been blamed on the RSF by Sudan's army and by residents. On Wednesday morning, an army source told the AFP news agency on condition of anonymity that the explosion was due to a drone attack that was met with "anti-aircraft missiles". The Port of Sudan on the Red Sea coast had been a haven city hosting hundreds of thousands of displaced people since the war began and serves as an interim seat for Sudan's military-allied government, which has been at war with the RSF since 2023. The attacks on Port Sudan have increased fears of disruptions to desperately needed aid deliveries in the country suffering one of the world's most dire humanitarian crises, and where famine has been declared in some areas.
Explosions, huge fire in Sudanese city of Port Sudan
Multiple explosions have been heard and a huge fire seen in Port Sudan, though the exact locations and causes were unclear, as Sudan's civil war rocks the previously quiet city for the third day. Dark plumes of smoke could be seen emerging from the vicinity of the country's main maritime port in the city, where hundreds of thousands of displaced people have sought refuge. Al Jazeera's Hiba Morgan, reporting from the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, said residents in the port city reported that attack drones launched by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) hit a fuel depot and other targets. "According to the residents, they believe that it was drone strikes by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces – once again. They targeted a fuel depot in the city but also around the port and the air base," Morgan said.
Sudan's RSF carries out drone attack near Port Sudan airport: Army
Sudan's army says the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) attacked a military airbase and other facilities in the vicinity of Port Sudan airport. The army said on Sunday that the airbase was targeted using a drone, as well as a cargo warehouse and some civilian facilities, in the first attack in the eastern city by the RSF. There are reports of some damage after drones hit an ammunition depot. "Both the civilian and military airports are in the same place. What we know from residents in the port city is that five drones were launched by the RSF and targeted the airbase," Al Jazeera's Hiba Morgan said, reporting from the capital, Khartoum.
In pictures: Prayers and reflection mark Eid celebrations around the world
Muslims around the world have begun celebrating Eid al-Fitr, one of the biggest celebrations in the Islamic calendar. Eid al-Fitr - which means "festival of the breaking of the fast" - is celebrated at the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting for many adults, as well as spiritual reflection and prayer.ReutersHere in Moscow, worshippers are seen preparing for prayer.ReutersHundreds took part in prayers at Tononoka grounds, in Mombasa, KenyaGetty ImagesPrayers were also observed at a stadium in Port Sudan in the east of the countryGetty ImagesLittle children joined adults at the Moskee Essalam in Rotterdam, NetherlandsGetty ImagesGifts are handed out to Muslim children in Lviv, Ukraine, as Russia's war on the country continuesReuters Palestinians in Jabaliya in the northern Gaza Strip pray amidst the rubble of a mosque destroyed in the current war between Israel and HamasGetty ImagesFamilies gather at al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem - the third holiest site in IslamReutersA boy yawns during prayers at a stadium in QatarEPAMuslims greet each-other at Martim Moniz Square in Lisbon, PortugalGetty ImagesWomen worshippers gather in Burgess Park, London, for an outdoor prayerEPAThere were also worshippers gathered outside Plebiscito Square in Naples, ItalyReutersSome women took pictures after attending prayers at the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque in Istanbul, TurkeyGetty ImagesAfghan refugees pray at a mosque on the outskirts of Peshawar, PakistanMiddle EastEuropeEid al-FitrReligionIslamRelated'I was afraid for my life': At the scene of the attack on Palestinian Oscar winner 5 days agoMiddle EastMore8 hrs ago'In Bradford, families spend thousands on new clothes for Eid' Muslims spend large amounts in Bradford's supermarkets, clothes shops and other services before Eid.8 hrs agoEngland1 day ago The tourist has received an award from the city's mayor after restraining a man during a stabbing.1 day agoEurope1 day ago Another 21 people are injured, as a restaurant and several buildings are set ablaze in the city, local officials say.1 day agoWorld1 day ago Town's successful Ramadan lights project expanded A Scunthorpe community group says it has seen an "amazing" response to its lights display.1 day agoLincolnshire1 day ago Bishop says school that changed Easter events'valued' The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
US evacuates private citizens from Sudan for first time
Bryan Stern and Mark Geist discusses helping Americans out of a war zone after being left behind by the Biden admin. The U.S. has evacuated its first group of American citizens and permanent residents from Sudan since war broke out in the capital weeks ago. The land evacuation started Friday with efforts to bus a large group of Americans to the Red Sea via Port Sudan. Officials revealed Saturday that unmanned aircraft provided armed overwatch as a bus convoy carried 200 to 300 Americans over 500 miles. Smoke is seen in Khartoum, Sudan, Wednesday, April 19, 2023.