Port Sudan – The United Nations warned on Wednesday that continued drone attacks are endangering civilians and damaging civilian infrastructure in El Obeid, the capital of Sudan’s North Kordofan State, as humanitarian agencies scale up assistance in the city.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said a drone strike on Tuesday reportedly hit an empty fuel tanker parked near Dar Al Fikir School in El Obeid, injuring five civilians, including two students. A separate drone strike was also reported near the city’s main stadium.

According to OCHA, the injured were taken to hospital for treatment. The incidents occurred close to the offices of several humanitarian organizations operating in the city.

The latest incidents follow weeks of reported RSF drone attacks on El Obeid that have struck civilian infrastructure, including power facilities and fuel stations, killing and injuring civilians while disrupting electricity, water supplies and medical services. International officials have also warned of an RSF military build-up around the city, raising concerns over the growing risks facing civilians.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said it had pre-positioned emergency medical supplies in El Obeid, including trauma kits, disease prevention materials and reproductive, maternal, child health and nutrition supplies sufficient to treat more than 25,000 people.

The latest attacks come as humanitarian agencies warn that access to essential services is becoming increasingly difficult amid continued attacks on civilian infrastructure.

OCHA said humanitarian needs across Sheikan locality, which includes El Obeid, remain severe, with nearly 800,000 people requiring some form of humanitarian assistance.

The war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which began in April 2023, has displaced millions of people and left large parts of Sudan dependent on humanitarian aid, while repeated attacks on civilian infrastructure have further complicated relief operations.

The United Nations renewed its call for the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure and urged all parties to ensure rapid, safe, sustained and unhindered humanitarian access to people in need.