KHARTOUM – The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned that drone attacks and other hostilities continue to take a heavy toll on civilians and critical infrastructure across Sudan, citing deadly strikes in South Kordofan and Blue Nile and attempted attacks near major power facilities in eastern Sudan.

OCHA said local sources reported that 13 civilians were killed and several others injured when a drone struck a commercial truck in Al-Kewaik village along the road between Kadugli and Dilling in South Kordofan on Sept. 11.

The UN agency did not identify the party responsible for the strike.

OCHA said critical infrastructure also remained at risk, with drones reportedly intercepted near the Siteet and El Girba dam power stations in Gedaref and Kassala states before causing damage.

The latest incidents followed drone strikes in Ed Damazine, the capital of Blue Nile State, where OCHA said six civilians were reportedly killed after multiple strikes hit petrol stations.

The attacks also caused severe fuel shortages in the city, the agency said.

The incidents come amid the growing use of drones in Sudan’s war, which has increasingly exposed civilians and infrastructure far from traditional front lines.

UN investigators have repeatedly warned that drone warfare has expanded the geographical reach of hostilities, with markets, hospitals, schools, displacement sites, fuel facilities and other civilian infrastructure increasingly affected.

Aid Operations Continue Despite Insecurity

OCHA said the UN and humanitarian partners continue to provide assistance despite insecurity and funding shortages.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) recently distributed 2,000 hygiene kits to newly displaced families in North Kordofan and White Nile states, with support from the OCHA-managed Sudan Humanitarian Fund.

OCHA again called on all parties to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure and to allow humanitarian assistance to reach people quickly, safely and without obstruction.

Humanitarian Appeal Only 42% Funded

The agency also urged donors to provide additional funding for Sudan’s humanitarian response.

OCHA said the 2026 Humanitarian Response Plan is only 42% funded, with around $1.2 billion received against the $2.9 billion required.

The funding gap comes as fighting continues to drive new displacement and place further pressure on already strained humanitarian services across the country.