Military-rebels clash escalates in Sudan, largest refinery torched

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates: Sudan's largest oil refinery, the al-Jaili facility, has been set ablaze amid escalating clashes between the Sudanese military and the rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF), sending plumes of black smoke across the region, satellite images revealed.

The fire marks a major escalation in the civil war, with both sides trading accusations over the cause of the destruction.

The 663-foot-long refinery, located 40 miles north of Khartoum, is critical to Sudan and neighboring South Sudan's economies. Capable of handling 100,000 barrels of oil daily, the facility had previously endured attacks but remained operational until January 23. Satellite data from NASA showed multiple fires erupting across the complex, and images captured flames engulfing oil tanks and smoke billowing toward Khartoum.

The Sudanese military claimed the RSF deliberately set the refinery ablaze "in a desperate attempt to destroy the infrastructures of this country." Meanwhile, the RSF accused the military of dropping "barrel bombs" on the site, resulting in "complete destruction."

Neither side provided concrete evidence to support its claims. Videos released on January 25 showed Sudanese military forces claiming to have entered the refinery, with heavy gunfire echoing in the background. General Abdel-Fattah Burhan, the military leader, was filmed visiting the outskirts of the refinery and celebrating with supporters.

The refinery's destruction has sparked concerns over economic and environmental fallout. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned of "serious economic and environmental implications" for the region, urging restraint from both sides. The refinery has historically been a lifeline for Sudan and South Sudan, and its output is dependent on meeting fuel demands.

China, a key player in Sudan's oil industry since the 1990s, has remained silent on the refinery blaze. The Chinese Foreign Ministry did not respond to inquiries, despite China's role as Sudan's largest trading partner before the war.

The civil war, which began in April 2023, has claimed over 28,000 lives, displaced millions, and pushed parts of Sudan to the brink of famine. The conflict stems from a power struggle between Burhan's military and RSF leader Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, with roots in a military coup that derailed Sudan's fragile democratic transition in 2021.

As the war drags on, international mediation efforts have failed to yield results, while the destruction of vital infrastructure like the al-Jaili refinery signals deepening chaos in the war-torn nation.