Sudan conflict: Landmark skyscraper in Khartoum engulfed in flames
In Sudan’s capital, a blaze has erupted in buildings following intense clashes between the army and opposing factions. Videos shared online on Sunday depicted the iconic Greater Nile Petroleum Oil Company Tower engulfed in flames.
Tagreed Abdin, an architect associated with the structure, expressed her distress in a post on X, previously known as Twitter, stating, “This is undeniably heartbreaking.”
Khartoum and other urban areas have witnessed ongoing airstrikes and ground battles since hostilities commenced in April. According to the United Nations, over one million people have been compelled to leave the nation.
Situated in close proximity to the River Nile, the 18-story oil company skyscraper ranks among Khartoum’s most recognizable landmarks. Ms. Abdin emphasized that it defines the city’s skyline and deplored the “unwarranted destruction” it has suffered.
The cause of the fire that engulfed the building’s distinctive cone-shaped structure with a glass facade remains unclear at this time. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities have been reported.
The unrest in Sudan erupted on April 15th, sparked by a power struggle between the leaders of the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
It followed days of tension as members of the RSF were redeployed around the country in a move that the army saw as a threat.
The Sudan War Monitor, which provides analysis of the conflict, said the RSF had attacked areas controlled by the army on Saturday, including an office block at the justice ministry. Several government buildings are reported to have caught fire as a result of the attack.
Attacks on army premises continued into Sunday, witnesses told AFP news agency.
Residents in a southern district of the city – where the army was targeting RSF bases – told AFP they heard “huge bangs” as they woke up.
Health authorities announced on Sunday that all the main hospitals in Khartoum – as well as the Darfur region – were out of service.
Nawal Mohammed, 44, who lives at least 3km (1.8 miles) from clashes in the capital, said the doors and windows of her family home shook with the force of explosions.
She described the battles on Saturday and Sunday as “the most violent since the war began”.
According to a group of pro-democracy lawyers, the fighting had killed “dozens of civilians” in Khartoum since Friday.
Fighting was also reported in the city of El-Obeid, some 400km (250 miles) south of the city.
The RSF has been fighting to take control of the capital, and the military’s air strikes have been aimed at weakening RSF positions.
The conflict has killed around 7,500 people and displaced more than five million.
