A drone strike on two United Nations food aid trucks in Sudan's South Kordofan state resulted in the death of one driver on Saturday, October 3, 2026. The World Food Programme (WFP) confirmed the incident, stating that the trucks were clearly marked as humanitarian vehicles and were traveling between the army-controlled cities of Dilling and Kadugli.
The WFP has called for a prompt investigation into the incident and is assessing the damage. This attack comes as fighting intensifies in Kordofan, a strategically important region where Sudan's national army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia are battling for territory. The conflict has been ongoing for over three years, devastating much of the country.
The war between Sudan's national army and the RSF militia has resulted in a significant humanitarian crisis, with estimates suggesting that over 200,000 people have been killed and more than 11 million displaced. The conflict has also created the world's largest hunger and displacement crises, with famine confirmed in South Kordofan's Kadugli and in El-Fasher in the western Darfur region.
The WFP has expressed concern over the increasing use of drones by both the army and the RSF militia, which have killed over 1,100 people in the first half of the year alone, according to UN figures. The agency urges all parties involved in the hostilities to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law and protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.
The incident is not an isolated one, as a WFP truck had struck an explosive device in Dilling the day before, after delivering lifesaving food assistance. The WFP strongly condemns the aerial attack that hit the two contracted trucks carrying WFP food commodities in South Kordofan, extending its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the killed driver.
Sudan's national army and the RSF militia have been battling for territory in the strategically important region of Kordofan. The Sudanese army has made recent advances in North Kordofan after capturing the city of Sodari. The conflict has resulted in significant humanitarian needs, with the WFP and other aid agencies working to provide assistance to affected populations.
The international community has expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in Sudan, with the African Union and other regional organizations calling for respect for international law and the protection of civilians. The situation in Sudan remains volatile, with ongoing fighting and humanitarian needs.
Key points
- One driver was killed in the air strike on two WFP aid trucks in South Kordofan on Saturday, October 3, 2026.
- The conflict in Sudan has resulted in over 200,000 deaths and displaced more than 11 million people.
- The WFP has called for a prompt investigation into the incident and urged respect for international humanitarian law.
