Khartoum – Sudan Now |

 

The United Nations has warned of a surge in drone attacks across Sudan, stating that these strikes pose an increasing threat to civilians and critical infrastructure in several states.

 

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that a wave of airstrikes has been recorded in recent days across multiple regions of the country. It noted that a drone was shot down over Khartoum International Airport, leading to the cancellation of flights, at a time when the airport serves as a vital hub for the delivery of humanitarian aid.

 

Local reports indicated that five members of the same family, including women and children, were killed in Al Jazirah State. A fuel depot and a tanker were also targeted near the city of Kosti in White Nile State. Additionally, the state television building in the city of El Obeid, North Kordofan State, was damaged in a similar attack.

 

In the Darfur region, the United Nations noted an increase in the pace of strikes, with attacks reported in West Darfur State. A previous bombardment in the city of Nyala also left at least five people injured and caused damage to buildings near the premises of humanitarian organizations.

 

The organization stressed that the deteriorating security situation is driving further displacement, noting that more than 2,600 people were displaced over the past week in North Kordofan, in addition to around 1,000 others in South Kordofan, according to data from the International Organization for Migration.

 

According to UN estimates, Sudan is facing one of the world’s largest displacement crises, with around 9 million people internally displaced, in addition to 4.5 million who have fled to neighboring countries since the outbreak of the war more than three years ago.

 

The United Nations renewed its call on all parties to the conflict to adhere to international humanitarian law, protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and allow rapid, safe, and unhindered access for humanitarian aid.

 

Several regions across Sudan are witnessing an escalation in the use of drones in military operations, increasing the risks of targeting populated areas and critical infrastructure, and further complicating humanitarian response efforts amid the ongoing war since April 2023.