Sudan: Drone attacks endanger civilians and shut down critical services in El Obeid
Sudan: Drone Strikes Heighten Civilian Risk and Disrupt Vital Services in El Obeid
Sudan - The United Nations aid coordination body, OCHA, has raised alarms about the escalating conflict in and around El Obeid, a city in Sudan, which has placed civilians in greater danger and disrupted critical infrastructure. According to the latest report, the violence has intensified, forcing essential services to halt operations and leaving residents vulnerable to harm.
Humanitarian Crisis and RSF Build-Up
Concerns have grown amid reports of a substantial buildup of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the capital of North Kordofan state. This strategic positioning has triggered warnings from the UN Security Council, which highlighted the “imminent threat of mass atrocities” as a pressing issue. The RSF and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have been locked in a protracted conflict spanning over three years, creating one of the most severe humanitarian and protection crises in the region. Over 30 million individuals across Sudan now require urgent aid, underscoring the scale of the disaster.
“The Security Council has expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions in North Kordofan, fearing a potential mass casualty event,” stated a UN Security Council statement released on Saturday. This warning aligns with the broader context of the ongoing war, which has eroded stability and left millions without access to basic necessities.
Targeted Strikes in El Obeid
Between Thursday and Sunday, a series of drone attacks reportedly struck multiple locations in El Obeid, including a power substation and a fuel station. These strikes have caused widespread disruption, with the Sudan Doctors Network, a local medical organization, reporting that several healthcare facilities were forced to close temporarily. Among the affected sites was a dialysis center, which is vital for patients with chronic kidney conditions.
Damage to water stations has also been reported, exacerbating the challenges faced by the population in accessing clean water. This dual impact of infrastructure destruction and service interruption has compounded the humanitarian emergency, leaving communities without reliable power or safe drinking water. The attacks are part of a broader pattern of aerial assaults that have targeted civilian areas in recent weeks.
Impact on Neighboring Regions
Elsewhere in North Kordofan, two major bridges south of Um Ruwaba were targeted by drones on Sunday. These bridges are crucial for connecting the region to South Kordofan, yet humanitarian partners noted that movement through the area remained feasible despite the damage. Meanwhile, in Ar Rahad, a city southeast of El Obeid, additional drone strikes were reported along a key highway, further fragmenting regional connectivity.
The UN has confirmed that such attacks are not limited to El Obeid. Drone strikes have been reported in other parts of Sudan, including North Darfur and White Nile states, where they have caused civilian casualties and damaged vital infrastructure. A recent incident in Kosti, a city in White Nile state, saw a fuel station at a market hit by a strike, resulting in one fatality and 15 injuries. This underscores the indiscriminate nature of the attacks, which threaten both people and essential resources.
Cholera Outbreak Intensifies
The situation in West Kordofan state has worsened as a cholera outbreak continues to spread. Humanitarian partners attribute this crisis to a combination of factors, including restricted access to affected areas, persistent insecurity, and the displacement of populations. As of 16 June, 700 cases have been recorded, with 60 associated deaths. Of these, 100 cases and 10 fatalities have occurred since the beginning of June, indicating a rapid escalation.
Efforts to combat the outbreak have included the distribution of cholera treatments, medical supplies, and awareness campaigns. Cholera treatment centers have also been established to provide care to the sick. However, the challenge remains significant, as limited access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities continues to fuel the spread of the disease.
UN Calls for Protection of Civilians
Amid these escalating threats, the UN has reiterated its call for all parties to the conflict to adhere to their international obligations. The organization has urged the protection of civilian populations and infrastructure, emphasizing the need for improved access to humanitarian aid. These demands come as the conflict’s toll on the population grows, with civilians caught in the crossfire of aerial and ground attacks.
OCHA has noted that the ongoing drone strikes have not only targeted specific sites but have also created a ripple effect across the region. The destruction of power grids, fuel depots, and medical centers has disrupted daily life and weakened the capacity of local authorities to respond effectively to the crisis. With no clear end in sight, the humanitarian impact is expected to worsen, particularly in areas with already fragile systems.
Regional Context and Broader Implications
The conflict in Sudan has had far-reaching consequences, affecting not only El Obeid and North Kordofan but also other states across the country. The RSF’s expansion into new regions has raised fears of a wider escalation, with the potential to draw in more international actors and increase the scale of the crisis. The attacks on critical infrastructure have also highlighted the vulnerability of civilian populations to both direct and indirect harm.
Humanitarian partners have stressed the importance of maintaining access to affected areas, as delays in aid delivery can have dire consequences. The cholera outbreak, for instance, has become more severe due to the disruption of water and sanitation services. In El Obeid, the closure of medical facilities has left patients without immediate care, while the destruction of power stations has led to prolonged outages that affect everything from communication to refrigeration of medical supplies.
Despite these challenges, the UN and its allies remain committed to alleviating suffering and providing relief. However, their efforts are being tested by the constant threat of attacks and the increasing complexity of the conflict. The situation in El Obeid serves as a microcosm of the broader crisis, where civilians are paying the highest price for the ongoing war.
Call to Action and Future Outlook
OCHA’s report underscores the urgent need for a coordinated response to protect civilian lives and ensure the uninterrupted delivery of aid. The UN has urged all parties to prioritize the safety of non-combatants and to facilitate access for humanitarian workers. Without such measures, the risk of mass casualties and further displacement is likely to rise, deepening the humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan.
As the conflict enters a new phase, the international community faces mounting pressure to intervene and prevent further escalation. The drone attacks, while a relatively new tactic, have demonstrated the capacity for rapid and devastating impact on civilian infrastructure. With the situation in El Obeid and other areas deteriorating, the stakes for the people of Sudan have never been higher.