AD-DAMAZIN – The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said more than 20 civilians were reportedly killed and around 2,500 people displaced after violence erupted in Qeisan, in Sudan’s Blue Nile State, warning that insecurity continues to drive civilian casualties and new displacement.
In a statement on Wednesday, OCHA said local sources reported that more than 20 civilians were killed and others wounded during clashes in Qeisan on Tuesday. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said the violence forced about 2,500 people to flee the town.
The escalation comes as fighting and insecurity continue to spread across several parts of Sudan, where civilians are increasingly exposed to ground attacks, drone strikes and disruptions to essential services.
In North Kordofan, human rights workers reported that drones struck El Obeid on Wednesday morning, OCHA said. There was no immediate information on civilian casualties, but one drone reportedly hit a water station, raising concerns over access to clean water in the city.
OCHA said attacks and insecurity in northern areas of North Kordofan have forced more people to flee toward El Obeid, with about 15,000 families displaced to the city over the past three weeks.
The continued influx is placing additional pressure on shelters and basic services in El Obeid, which were already operating beyond capacity, the agency said.
The United Nations and its partners said they are continuing to provide humanitarian assistance in El Obeid despite difficult conditions. OCHA renewed its call on all parties to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure and to ensure rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access.
The agency also urged donors to increase support for Sudan’s humanitarian response, saying the 2026 Humanitarian Response Plan has received only 41% of the required funding.
