Britain has taken a decisive stance against the escalating conflict in Sudan by announcing sanctions targeting businesses associated with the warring factions.

Since the outbreak of fighting between rival generals on April 15 last year, the situation has deteriorated drastically, resulting in thousands of casualties and forcing approximately 1.8 million people to seek refuge in neighboring countries.

Aid workers on the ground have painted a grim picture of the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in the country, with civilians enduring starvation, sexual violence, ethnic killings, and executions.

The UK’s Foreign Office has underscored the severity of the situation, emphasizing that “strict measures” will be implemented, including asset freezes on companies with ties to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and its rival, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

British foreign minister David CameronCameron said “We continue to see appalling atrocities against civilians, unacceptable restrictions on humanitarian access and an utter disregard for civilian life.

“The businesses that support the warring parties must be held to account, alongside those responsible for human rights abuses.  The world must not forget about Sudan. We urgently need to end the violence.

The sanctions target specific entities, including Alkhaleej Bank, implicated in financing the RSF, and Al-Fakher Advanced Works, a holding company facilitating gold exports for the organization, with proceeds funnelled into weapons acquisition.

Additionally, Red Rock Mining, known for providing funds to the SAF, faces sanctions. The company’s close ties to Defence Industries System, the economic and manufacturing arm of the SAF, further solidify its inclusion in the sanctions, as stated by the Foreign Office.

France, currently hosting an international conference on Sudan, is urging for aid contributions and heightened global attention to address what officials describe as a crisis overshadowed by ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.

Will Carter, Sudan country director for the Norwegian Refugee Council, emphasized the dire conditions faced by civilians in the region, including starvation, widespread sexual violence, ethnic massacres, and executions.

According to the UN, over 8.5 million people have been displaced since the onset of the conflict.

The World Health Organization has issued warnings about the country’s collapsing health system, citing acute shortages of medical staff and essential medicines as pressing concerns.

In response to what it perceives as undue criticism from officials in France, Britain, and Germany, Iran summoned their respective ambassadors to Tehran on Sunday.

The move comes in the wake of Iran’s recent missile and drone strike on Israel.

According to the official IRNA news agency, the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs cited “irresponsible positions” from certain officials in these countries regarding Iran’s retaliation against perceived Israeli provocations impacting Iranian citizens and interests.

The Agency said, “The British, French, and German ambassadors to Tehran were summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs following the irresponsible positions of certain officials of these countries regarding Iran’s response to the actions of the Zionist regime (Israel) against the nationals and interests of our country.”

More to follow……. 

Iran retaliated against Israel by launching more than 100 drones and missiles in response to an Israeli airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus earlier this month.

According to BBC Middle East correspondent Hugo Bachega, the retaliatory attack resulted in loud explosions, with air defense systems engaging and intercepting objects over the city, illuminating the night sky with multiple interceptions.

Israeli officials had anticipated the attack, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stating that the country was prepared for any potential scenarios.

Iran had previously warned of retaliation against Israel for its airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Syria on April 1st, which resulted in the deaths of seven Revolutionary Guards, including two generals, and six Syrians.

While Israel had not claimed responsibility for the Damascus strike, it has acknowledged conducting numerous airstrikes in Syria over recent years targeting Iranian-linked sites.

President Biden reaffirmed unwavering support for Israel, pledging “ironclad” assistance to ensure its security.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed reports of drones launched from Iran towards Israel in a statement.

It said “A short while ago, Iran launched UAVs from within its territory toward Israel. The IDF is on high alert and is constantly monitoring the operational situation.

“The IDF Aerial Defense Array is on high alert, along with IAF fighter jets and Israeli Navy vessels that are on a defense mission in Israeli air and naval space. The IDF is monitoring all targets.

“We ask the public to adhere to and follow the instructions of the Home Front Command and the official IDF announcements regarding the matter.”

In a national address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed that the military is fully prepared for any potential scenario.

He said ” The military is ready for any scenario. Citizens of Israel, in recent years, and especially in recent weeks, Israel has been preparing for a direct attack by Iran.

“Our defensive systems are deployed; we are ready for any scenario, both defensively and offensively. The State of Israel is strong. The IDF is strong. The public is strongstrong.

“We have determined a clear principle: Whoever harms us, we will harm them. We will defend ourselves against any threat and will do so level-headedly and with determination.” he added

Former Israel Defense Forces spokesman Jonathan Conricus highlighted the significance of the current situation, stating that “this is day one of the new Middle East,” emphasizing that Iran is directly attacking Israel from its own territory for the first time.

Speaking on the BBC News Channel, he referenced reports of over 100 Iranian drones and cruise missiles en route to Israel, each with varying expected times of arrival.

Jonathan Conricus noted that Israeli air defenses are actively engaged in intercepting these threats.

When questioned about Israel’s preparedness for such a scenario, he commented, “I think Israel is good at planning military contingencies, but they don’t always excel at the strategic part.”

He added “I didn’t expect the Iranians to do this, from Iranian soil. It will drag other countries, including the US, into the conflict.”