Drone attacks in Sudan have resulted in significant civilian casualties and damage to critical infrastructure. On Monday evening, a drone strike in Um Dibo, El Sunut locality, West Kordofan, killed eight people and wounded three. The attacks have been widespread, with other incidents reported in El Abbasiya Tagali, South Kordofan, Ed Damazin, and other areas.
The attacks on civilians and infrastructure have been widely condemned. The Blue Nile Civil Society Initiative attributed the attack in Ed Damazin to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces and its ally, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North. They called for an end to strikes on civilians and civilian infrastructure. Blue Nile governor Ahmed El Omda also condemned the attacks, describing them as an assault on civilians and civilian property.
The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the drone attacks and their impact on civilians. UN Secretary-General spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stated that the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) was deeply concerned about the attacks and their impact on people across several states. The UN has reported that drones have targeted power stations and substations in various states, disrupting essential services.
The Arab League has also condemned the attacks on energy facilities in Sudan. The organisation attributed the strikes to the Rapid Support Forces and stated that they had severely damaged power facilities, knocking several out of service and cutting electricity to large areas. The Arab League warned that deliberately targeting power stations and other civilian infrastructure could amount to a war crime.
The drone attacks have had a significant impact on critical infrastructure, including power and water supplies. UN humanitarian partners have warned that power cuts and fuel shortages have disrupted clean water supplies, forcing residents to rely on untreated sources and increasing the risk of waterborne diseases. The situation is expected to worsen if the attacks continue.
The international community has called for an end to the violence and urged the warring parties to engage in mediation efforts. The UN Secretary-General strongly condemned the escalating drone attacks, describing them as a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law. He also urged the parties to agree to an immediate cessation of hostilities.
The situation in Sudan remains dire, with civilians bearing the brunt of the conflict. The Arab League has reiterated its support for Sudan’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The international community continues to monitor the situation, with the UN and Arab League calling for an end to the violence and a return to peace.
Key points
- The drone attacks have killed at least 14 civilians and injured several others.
- The attacks have disrupted critical infrastructure, including power and water supplies.
- The international community has condemned the attacks and urged the warring parties to engage in mediation efforts.
