The Sudanese Ministry of Energy and Oil announced the immediate suspension of crude oil transit from South Sudan through Sudanese territory and the closure of joint oil facilities in the Heglig area. The decision, described as a “necessary measure to protect national infrastructure,” comes amid escalating security threats in production zones.
In a statement issued in Khartoum, the ministry said the move was a direct response to a series of drone attacks carried out by the Rapid Support Forces targeting vital installations within the Heglig oil field in West Kordofan State. The attacks caused significant material damage to pipelines, storage units, and pumping stations.
The ministry added that the assaults posed a serious risk to the safety of personnel and facilities, making it impossible to continue operations safely. Technical and security teams have launched emergency procedures to assess the field situation and secure affected sites. Operating companies have been instructed to suspend activities until further notice.
The statement stressed that the Sudanese government will not tolerate any threat to its strategic resources and facilities, warning that continued targeting of oil infrastructure will be met with firm measures. It also urged the international community to condemn these attacks, which it said aim to sabotage the national economy and undermine cooperation between Sudan and South Sudan in the oil sector.
Heglig is one of Sudan’s most important oil fields, serving as a key transit point for a large share of South Sudanese crude bound for export through Port Bashayer on the Red Sea. The suspension is therefore expected to have a direct impact on the South’s exports and regional oil supplies.
