Aaj English TV

Wednesday, February 19, 2025  
20 Shaban 1446  

Major blaze erupts at Sudan’s largest oil refinery amid ongoing conflict

RSF claims control over the refinery since April 2023
A fire rips through the Greater Nile Petroleum Oil Company Tower in Khartoum as battles between Sudanese rival forces rages in Khartoum. Photo via AFP
A fire rips through the Greater Nile Petroleum Oil Company Tower in Khartoum as battles between Sudanese rival forces rages in Khartoum. Photo via AFP

Fighting in Sudan has ignited a significant fire at the country’s largest oil refinery, located north of Khartoum.

Satellite images reveal extensive flames engulfing the facility, which is managed by the Sudanese government in partnership with the China National Petroleum Corporation.

The conflict between the rebel Rapid Support Force (RSF) and Sudan’s military has escalated, with both sides blaming each other for the fire.

The Al-Jaili refinery, capable of processing 100,000 barrels of oil per day, had previously remained largely intact despite ongoing tensions. An attack on Thursday led to widespread fires across the complex.

Thick, black smoke has been reported billowing over the capital, posing serious health risks to residents, including respiratory issues and increased cancer risks.

The RSF has claimed control over the refinery since April 2023, surrounding it with land mines to deter military advances.

The Sudanese military has accused the RSF of deliberately setting the refinery ablaze, while the RSF contends that the military used aerial bombardments to target the facility.Both parties have yet to provide concrete evidence to support their claims.

Read more

UAE to build Red Sea port, invest $6 billion in Sudan

Sudan army okays foreign evacuation as Khartoum battle rages

A month into Sudan’s brutal war, no end in sight

International efforts to mediate the conflict have been unsuccessful, with the fighting resulting in over 28,000 deaths and millions displaced since it erupted in April 2023.

The ongoing violence has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, leaving many struggling to find basic necessities.

For the latest news, follow us on Twitter @Aaj_Urdu. We are also on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Sudan

Conflict

oil refinery

RSF

National Petroleum Corporation