Sudanese military officials say paramilitary fighters unleashed drones on the Red Sea city of Port Sudan, hitting key targets there, including the airport, the port and a hotel.

Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces launched a second drone strike in as many days on Port Sudan, targeting fuel depots in the eastern city early on Tuesday, security sources told Reuters, in a major escalation of a two-year-long conflict.

Explosions have been heard in the Sudanese city of Port Sudan as a paramilitary force targeted the de-facto capital of the country's military-led government for the third consecutive day. Thick black smoke could be seen at dawn on the skyline of the previously safe city where thousands of people fleeing the two-year civil war have sought refuge.