Drone Strike in Central Sudan Leaves Dozens Dead or Injured as Fighting Intensifies
At least three people have been killed and several others wounded in a drone strike by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in central Sudan's city of el-Obeid, according to military sources. The attack occurred on Saturday afternoon, targeting a square near a police station in the Tayba neighborhood.
The incident highlights the escalating use of air power by the RSF as it shifts its focus from Darfur to the Kordofan region, a critical area that houses vital oil infrastructure. The region has witnessed intense clashes in recent weeks, forcing tens of thousands of people to flee their homes and exacerbating what aid agencies describe as one of the world's worst humanitarian emergencies.
The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) had earlier retaliated against RSF positions in Um Adara town, while RSF forces shelled the city of Um Rawaba in the north, causing civilian casualties. Additionally, an RSF drone targeted army positions in Kosti city in White Nile state, destroying a military vehicle and injuring its crew.
The ongoing conflict has left nearly 13 million people displaced since fighting erupted in April 2023. The United Nations World Food Programme warned that it will be forced to slash food rations by up to 70 percent for communities facing starvation starting in January due to critical funding shortages. With funding at risk of "collapsing" by April, the programme's ability to continue operations is threatened.
The WFP stated that 20 million Sudanese are suffering from malnutrition, with six million facing famine-like conditions. The situation remains dire, with widespread human suffering and a humanitarian crisis unfolding in one of Africa's most vulnerable countries.
At least three people have been killed and several others wounded in a drone strike by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in central Sudan's city of el-Obeid, according to military sources. The attack occurred on Saturday afternoon, targeting a square near a police station in the Tayba neighborhood.
The incident highlights the escalating use of air power by the RSF as it shifts its focus from Darfur to the Kordofan region, a critical area that houses vital oil infrastructure. The region has witnessed intense clashes in recent weeks, forcing tens of thousands of people to flee their homes and exacerbating what aid agencies describe as one of the world's worst humanitarian emergencies.
The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) had earlier retaliated against RSF positions in Um Adara town, while RSF forces shelled the city of Um Rawaba in the north, causing civilian casualties. Additionally, an RSF drone targeted army positions in Kosti city in White Nile state, destroying a military vehicle and injuring its crew.
The ongoing conflict has left nearly 13 million people displaced since fighting erupted in April 2023. The United Nations World Food Programme warned that it will be forced to slash food rations by up to 70 percent for communities facing starvation starting in January due to critical funding shortages. With funding at risk of "collapsing" by April, the programme's ability to continue operations is threatened.
The WFP stated that 20 million Sudanese are suffering from malnutrition, with six million facing famine-like conditions. The situation remains dire, with widespread human suffering and a humanitarian crisis unfolding in one of Africa's most vulnerable countries.